UK chosen for global F-35 repair hub

Air December 12, 2016

Sealand in Flintshire chosen as location for F-35 fighter jet repair hub, bringing millions of pounds to North Wales.

The Ministry of Defence have recently 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.

Sealand in Flintshire has been chosen as the location for the hub.

The UK Government says millions of pounds will be invested in the economy of North Wales, with the potential to unlock more than £2Bn of future F-35 support revenue over the lifetime of the programme. Sealand in Flintshire chosen as the location for the hub.

Thousands of high tech jobs and skills will be sustained, which will involve maintenance and repair of systems for the 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 repair hub is expected to be operational by 2018.

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BAE Systems Defence Electronics & Components Agency Ministry of Defence MOD Sealand