BAE Systems deals provide boost to region
A PAIR of deals signed by defence giant BAE Systems have provided a major boost to its operations in the North West.
The company has signed a £1.6bn deal with the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) to meet future aircrew training requirements.
The deal involves the supply of 22 new Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft, 55 Pilatus PC-21 aircraft and other aircrew training equipment.
Most of the work on the new Hawk jets will be carried out at BAE Systems’ factories at Samlesbury and Warton in Lancashire.
Guy Griffiths, group managing director of BAE Systems International, said: “We are honoured that BAE Systems has been awarded this contract to provide the Royal Saudi Air Force with aircraft and training equipment to meet their future aircrew training needs.
“We have a long history in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and working with Pilatus, we will provide the RSAF with the best training platforms to meet their requirements.”
The Hawk jets are set to be delivered in 2016.
The announcement follows the news announced yesterday that the company had been awarded a £328m deal to design the Royal Navy’s next generation of submarines, Vanguard, which are not due to come into operation until 2028. The work will sustain employment at the company’s shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness.
BAE Systems Maritime – Submarine division managing Director John Hudson said: “The signing of this contract is a key step forward in our business strategy to deliver a seven-boat Astute programme followed by the replacement class for the Vanguard submarines.
“Not only does it help sustain the jobs of over 1,000 skilled employees currently working on the programme, it also provides the opportunity to grow our workforce by a further 280 in 2012.”
