The Royal Air Force (RAF) has launched a scheme to explore the development of a zero-emissions military aircraft.

The ‘Zero Emissions Air System Market Exploration’ consultation seeks innovators’ ideas for a light training aircraft with a clean powertrain able to generate zero carbon emissions during operation.

The development of the new environmentally-friendly military aircraft aims to support the RAF’s goal to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2040.

For defence, the UK currently utilises fossil-fuel-powered light training aircraft, which are used across military and civil airfields for flying training, grading and assessment.