Menu
19/03/2009
Striking A Deal: UK Purchases Supersonic Stealth Jets
On a visit to Washington, Defence Secretary John Hutton has announced the decision to purchase three Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) test aircraft - the UK's next generation of supersonic stealth fast jets.
This deal marks a significant milestone in the UK's commitment to the Joint Strike Fighter project. Acquisition of JSF will provide the UK with an unrivalled "fifth-generation" tactical air system, designed with stealth characteristics and advanced sensors, and will afford the UK a 'step change' in capability. UK military personnel will work alongside their US counterparts in an initial operational test and evaluation programme for the aircraft.
Defence Secretary John Hutton said: "The Joint Strike Fighter will form an essential part of our Future Combat Air Capability.
"By purchasing three aircraft for testing, we will secure access to the development of the programme. Working alongside their US colleagues, our pilots will gain an unrivalled understanding of this awesome aircraft and its capabilities.
"This is a vital programme for UK Defence both for the military and for industry, with over 100 UK companies involved in the programme."
JSF is the aircraft of choice to fulfil MoD's Joint Combat Aircraft requirement and will fly off the two new Royal Navy Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. The purchase of three test aircraft will enable MOD to move forward in developing the Carrier Strike capability.
MoD is a partner in the JSF programme and is investing £2Bn to develop the aircraft. The prime contracts for these aircraft will be placed in the US but the decision to place an order for UK aircraft is equally good news for UK industry. There is significant UK industrial interest in the JSF Programme with over 100 companies involved in the programme, ranging from major UK JSF industrial partners down to lower tier suppliers of composite materials. The potential UK return on investment is substantial.
(JM/BMcC)
This deal marks a significant milestone in the UK's commitment to the Joint Strike Fighter project. Acquisition of JSF will provide the UK with an unrivalled "fifth-generation" tactical air system, designed with stealth characteristics and advanced sensors, and will afford the UK a 'step change' in capability. UK military personnel will work alongside their US counterparts in an initial operational test and evaluation programme for the aircraft.
Defence Secretary John Hutton said: "The Joint Strike Fighter will form an essential part of our Future Combat Air Capability.
"By purchasing three aircraft for testing, we will secure access to the development of the programme. Working alongside their US colleagues, our pilots will gain an unrivalled understanding of this awesome aircraft and its capabilities.
"This is a vital programme for UK Defence both for the military and for industry, with over 100 UK companies involved in the programme."
JSF is the aircraft of choice to fulfil MoD's Joint Combat Aircraft requirement and will fly off the two new Royal Navy Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. The purchase of three test aircraft will enable MOD to move forward in developing the Carrier Strike capability.
MoD is a partner in the JSF programme and is investing £2Bn to develop the aircraft. The prime contracts for these aircraft will be placed in the US but the decision to place an order for UK aircraft is equally good news for UK industry. There is significant UK industrial interest in the JSF Programme with over 100 companies involved in the programme, ranging from major UK JSF industrial partners down to lower tier suppliers of composite materials. The potential UK return on investment is substantial.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 October 2014
Govt Redeploy Reaper Drones To Iraq
The government has confirmed that UK Reaper drones will be redeployed from Afghanistan to Iraq, to be used against Islamic State (IS) militants. The unmanned, armed, drones will provide surveillance support for the US-led coalition and Iraqi authorities. It follows a vote last month in which MPs backed air strikes against IS militants in Iraq.
Govt Redeploy Reaper Drones To Iraq
The government has confirmed that UK Reaper drones will be redeployed from Afghanistan to Iraq, to be used against Islamic State (IS) militants. The unmanned, armed, drones will provide surveillance support for the US-led coalition and Iraqi authorities. It follows a vote last month in which MPs backed air strikes against IS militants in Iraq.
07 October 2014
Sailor Rescues From English Channel
A sailor has been rescued after almost 12 hours adrift in stormy seas in the English Channel. Two coastguard helicopters, a navy helicopter, a navy vessel, lifeboats and a French aircraft responded after the yachtsman sent a VHF radio message saying that his boat was at risk of capsizing.
Sailor Rescues From English Channel
A sailor has been rescued after almost 12 hours adrift in stormy seas in the English Channel. Two coastguard helicopters, a navy helicopter, a navy vessel, lifeboats and a French aircraft responded after the yachtsman sent a VHF radio message saying that his boat was at risk of capsizing.
22 August 2013
Two Killed In Light Aircraft Crash
A pilot and a passenger have died in a light aircraft crash near Wymeswold in Leicester, police have confirmed. Police were called by the ambulance service at 7.55pm last night. Officers are working in conjunction with the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) to investigate the cause of the crash.
Two Killed In Light Aircraft Crash
A pilot and a passenger have died in a light aircraft crash near Wymeswold in Leicester, police have confirmed. Police were called by the ambulance service at 7.55pm last night. Officers are working in conjunction with the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) to investigate the cause of the crash.
04 November 2010
Carrier Contracts 'Deeply Flawed'
A senior MP has spoken out regarding the Government's plans to build two new aircraft carriers. Andrew Tyrie, the Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee said BAE "put a gun to the head of the government" over "deeply flawed" contracts to build two new aircraft carriers.
Carrier Contracts 'Deeply Flawed'
A senior MP has spoken out regarding the Government's plans to build two new aircraft carriers. Andrew Tyrie, the Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee said BAE "put a gun to the head of the government" over "deeply flawed" contracts to build two new aircraft carriers.
08 September 2009
£52m Contracts Placed For Navy's New Aircraft Carriers
The MoD has announced that sub-contracts worth over £52M for a wide range of equipment for the two Queen Elizabeth Class Future Aircraft Carriers have been placed, helping to secure jobs and sustain work for industry across the UK.
£52m Contracts Placed For Navy's New Aircraft Carriers
The MoD has announced that sub-contracts worth over £52M for a wide range of equipment for the two Queen Elizabeth Class Future Aircraft Carriers have been placed, helping to secure jobs and sustain work for industry across the UK.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
