A $2billion deal ‘as big as Nissan was for car manufacturing’ has been signed with American defence bosses
UK will become the 'global hub' for servicing new F-35 Lightning fighter jets, pumping hundreds of millions of pounds of revenue into the economy
US military chiefs gave Brexit Britain a $2 billion vote of confidence tonight by announcing the UK would become the “global hub” for servicing new F-35 Lightning fighter jets.
The decision will pump hundreds of millions of pounds of revenue in the Welsh economy and support thousands of highly skilled jobs until 2040.
Tonight the decision was hailed by Ministers and Brexiteers alike.
Brexit backing Tory MP Steve Baker told The Sun: “As a former RAF Engineer, I’m delighted the the F-35 programme will be taking advantage of the technical expertise of the people of Wales, built up through RAF work over many years.
He added: “This is a ringing endorsement of Brexit Britain.”
The MoD announced the US Department of Defense - in charge of the record breaking arms deal to provide the next generation of fighter jets to a host of international partners including Britain - had chosen UK as a global repair hub.
From 2018 the hub will provide maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for all European based F-35 stealth fighters.
One Whitehall insider said: “For defence manufacturing this is as big a deal as Nissan was for car manufacturing.”
The work – carried out in MoD Sealand, North Wales – is expected to create hundreds of jobs.
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It will include maintenance and repair for the F-35 aircraft including electronic and electrical components, fuel, mechanical and hydraulic systems, and ejection seats.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “This establishes Britain as a hub for all European F35s and is hugely positive news for our high-tech and innovative defence industry.
“It is an endorsement of the skills and capabilities the UK offers; will help create hundreds of high-end jobs, safeguard thousands more and be a substantial boost to UK exports.
“Building on the strong foundations of Britain’s pre-eminent and enduring defence partnership with the US, this decision supports British jobs and helps keep Britain safer and more secure.”
Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales, added that the announcement “confirms our status as a leader in aviation technology.
“I’m delighted that the expertise that exists in Wales, along with a skilled workforce, has been recognised by the award of this major contract.
"It will lead to the investment of millions of pounds into the economy of North Wales.
The new global avionic and aircraft component repair service is expected to be operational from early 2018.
So far the UK has purchased 14 F-35’s, named Lightning II, with five delivered and nine in production.