UK chosen as an F-35 repair hub
The Ministry of Defence has announced that the UK has been chosen by the F-35 Program Office to be a global repair hub, providing maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for F-35 avionic and aircraft components.
Above:
The F-35B Lightning II.
© Crown copyright
Over the lifetime of the programme, components for hundreds of European-based F-35 aircraft will be serviced and maintained in North Wales.
This work will generate hundreds of millions of pounds of revenue for the UK defence industry, with the potential to unlock more than £2Bn of future F-35 support revenue over the lifetime of the programme. This will help sustain thousands of high tech jobs and skills. The work will involve maintenance and repair of systems 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."
The winning UK solution will be based on an innovative partnership enterprise between Defence Electronics & Components Agency (DECA), BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman, supported by key F-35 Original Equipment Manufacturers. The work will be centred at the UK Government-owned, Defence Electronics & Components Agency (DECA), based at MoD Sealand, in North East Wales.
Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales, said: "Today’s announcement makes Wales an essential component repair hub for supporting the F-35 aircraft and 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 North Wales maintenance site already supports around 400 jobs with thousands more in the wider supply chain - these will be sustained and grown over the coming years as a result of today’s news. MoD Sealand is a perfect location for maintenance work on this scale and I’m confident we will see further investment locally for the aerospace industry in Wales."
The new global avionic and aircraft component repair service is expected to be operational from early 2018.
Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of the MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support organisation said: "The UK’s winning proposal, which will provide best value for money for the F-35 enterprise, is testament to the strength of both UK Government and our industry knowledge and expertise.
Geraint Spearing, Chief Executive of the Defence Electronics & Components Agency added: "Securing this global repair hub at DECA in our 100th year at the Sealand site is a fitting way to celebrate our Centenary. Our involvement in the global support solution for F-35 will continue to develop DECA’s cutting-edge capabilities, allowing targeted investment and growth in our infrastructure and people. This will continue our proud heritage of providing pivotal support to our Armed Forces for many years to come."
Courtesy BAE Systems
The global component repair assignments will be until 2025 be global, after which the UK and Australia will undertake an increased scope of repairs for the European region and the Pacific region respectively.
BAE Systems will play a leading role in the work undertaken in both the UK and Australia.
Ian King, Chief Executive, BAE Systems said: “The selection of the UK and Australia to undertake this activity is recognition of the advanced military aircraft support skills and capabilities we have in these countries. Within BAE Systems we have a strong track record of working alongside our national and international customers, and industry partners, in delivering innovative and cost effective support solutions and we look forward to bringing that experience to F-35 component MRO&U.
“BAE Systems plays a crucial role on the F-35 programme in the UK, US and Australia, and today’s announcement builds upon that contribution.”