Source: GOV.UK
More than 600 engineering jobs will be secured by a £125 million MoD contract to maintain, repair and upgrade the RAF’s Tornado fast jets, Vigilance can report.
Highly-skilled work will be carried out on the GR4 fleet to ensure they are ready to support operations over the next five years, as they have done in Afghanistan and Libya.
The contract with BAE Systems, which will deliver savings of up to £90 million for the taxpayer compared to the original agreement, will involve work at RAF Marham in Norfolk, RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, RAF Leeming in Yorkshire and at BAE System sites in Warton and Samlesbury. The savings are on top of £1.3 billion already delivered by the MoD and BAE Systems since the start of the contract in 2006.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: This investment will ensure our Tornado aircraft continue to be battle ready for the next five years, as a key part of the RAF’s fast jet fleet. They currently play a vital role in supporting troops on the ground in Afghanistan and they will continue to form the backbone of our ground attack capability until the Joint Strike Fighter arrives and the Typhoon’s ground attack capability is fully mature in a few years’ time. This contract will help sustain the specialist skills across the UK which make Britain a world leader in engineering.”
The MOD’s Chief of Materiel Air, Air Marshal Simon Bollom, said: “The Tornado GR4 is a once in a generation aircraft and we broke new ground with the ATTAC Support contract which was signed in 2006. This ATTAC B contract builds on a firm foundation and delivers yet further improvements at reduced cost which will keep Tornado operating at the highest level for the next 5 years.
Air Bollom added: “The Tornado now represents a world class capability with an array of weapons and sensors and will continue to support operations and be an integral part of the RAF’s fleet until it is retired near the end of the decade. Through this contract we will continue to partner with BAE Systems to deliver agile and innovative support to ensure the Tornado force is capable and ready for action.”
A multi role aircraft, the Tornado GR4 can fly at supersonic speeds at up to 50,000 feet carrying some of the most advanced reconnaissance and surveillance equipment in the world. This is alongside an array of short range air to air missiles, laser guided bombs, and a cannon capable of firing 1,700 rounds per minute.
The aircraft is currently deployed in Afghanistan providing vital air support to UK and wider ISAF operations, and has previously supported operations in Iraq, Kosovo and Libya. The contract will run until the aircraft are retired at the end of the decade and replaced by Typhoon and Lightning II jets.
COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT SECURES 140 JOBS IN WALES
In another development, more than a hundred jobs in South Wales are being sustained by a £364 million investment in military communications.
The MoD has awarded two five year contracts to General Dynamics UK to provide design, engineering and logistic support for the Bowman radio system that is used by personnel across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
The work will sustain the jobs of 140 highly skilled engineers at GDUK’s site in Blackwood near Newport in South Wales with further roles being secured in the company’s wider supply chain.
Bowman radios allow personnel on land, at sea and in the air to communicate on operations around the world. The radios use an encrypted frequency to share intelligence and increase situational awareness and have seen extensive service in Afghanistan by troops on patrol, on Royal Navy ships during relief efforts in the Philippines, and by the Royal Air Force when providing air support to land operations.
Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne said: “For more than a decade, Bowman radios have played a vital role on operations, helping our personnel communicate sensitive information. I am delighted that these significant contracts will protect 140 skilled engineering jobs in South Wales, allow us to deliver better for value for money for the taxpayer, and most importantly ensure personnel on operations have the secure equipment they need. This is more good news for South Wales ahead of the NATO Summit later this year.”
Chief Operating Officer of General Dynamics UK, Steve Rowbotham, said: “With our proven supply chain and support infrastructure, General Dynamics UK is uniquely placed to successfully deliver these contracts in parallel and ensure that the British Armed Forces have the security of supply and support as they continue to meet operational requirements around the world. We are delighted to be able to continue with the successful partnership that has delivered world-class secure tactical communications to the British Armed Forces, building on this unique UK sovereign capability.”
The new contract will see improved management of the radios and repair services. It will also allow competition within the supply chain to be opened up which is expected to deliver better value for money for the taxpayer.