The Ministry of Defence has announced that the UK has been chosen to provide the F-35 global repair hub, anticipated to generate millions of pounds of revenue and numerous jobs in north Wales.
The global repair hub will provide maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for F-35 avionic and aircraft components, with components for hundreds of European-based F-35 aircraft serviced and maintained at the site. The work will be centred at the UK Government-owned, Defence Electronics & Components Agency (DECA), based at MOD Sealand, in North East Wales.
The F-35’s Program Office’s decision is crucial to sustaining thousands of high tech skills and jobs, and will involve maintenance and repair of 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.
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.”
Image : © Crown Copyright
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BAE Systems DECA F-35 Michael Fallon MOD Sealand Northrop Grumman Wales
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