UK to buy 150 fighter planes

Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 08 Oct 2002 9:59

The UK Government has announced plans to buy 150 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for its naval and air forces.

Defence Procurement Minister Lord Bach said that the Ministry of Defence intends to purchase the short take-off version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) as well as two large adaptable aircraft carriers.

The move will benefit British manufacturing as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and Smiths Group will be involved in building the planes, which have been developed by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin.

Rolls-Royce said that it anticipates a production revenue of around $3 billion from the production programme. The company added that the deal would bring total orders for the JSF up to 750, including orders from the US and a number of export customers.

“This is a very positive decision by the UK Government which opens up significant opportunities for Rolls-Royce and its many suppliers,” said Rolls-Royce chief executive John Rose.

Nigel Stewart, managing director of BAE Systems’ Future Carrier Team also welcomed the decision to purchase the two adapatable aircraft carriers. “This solution will provide real value for money to the customer and the taxpayer, as it will ensure that the two ships are capable of being adapted to stay in line with the evolving operational requirements of our forces,” he said.

“Future Carrier could become the key to new export successes for the UK shipbuilding industry, as it will demonstrate and reinforce UK leadership and innovation in naval design and integration,” he said.

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