UK chosen as a global F-35 repair hub

Work will generate hundreds of millions of pounds of revenue for the UK defence industry

The UK has been chosen by the F-35 Program Office as the global repair hub for the aircraft, providing maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for avionic and aircraft components.

The work will involve maintenance and repair of systems for the F-35 aircraft including electronic and electrical components, fuel, mechanical and hydraulic systems, and ejection seats.

The winning UK solution will be based on a 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 DECA based at MoD Sealand, in North East Wales.

The UK Ministry of Defence said the work will generate hundreds of millions of pounds of revenue for the UK defence industry, with the potential to unlock more than £2 billion of future F-35 support revenue over the lifetime of the programme. This will help sustain thousands of high tech jobs and skills.

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 new global avionic and aircraft component repair service is expected to be operational from early 2018.