Nick visits Farnborough Airshow
July 18, 2008 2:18 PM
Local MP and Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary Nick Harvey attended Farnborough Airshow this week to meet with representatives of the British Aerospace Industry and take a first hand look at the innovations being developed in the UK and around the world.
During his visit, Nick met with representatives of major UK and international defence contractors including BAE and Lockheed Martin, joint developers of the Joint Strike Aircraft which is to be used on the new aircraft carriers.
Commenting on the day's exhibitions Nick Harvey MP said:
"The UK defence industry is a large employer nationwide and it is highly impressive to see that the UK defence industry is still at the forefront of innovation worldwide and that it remains vibrant and competitive.
Seeing first hand the technology being developed in Britain it is clear that the UK has a significant role to play in the international defence market for many years to come."
However, whilst praising the technology being produced by domestic defence contractors Nick Harvey did express concern over the delivery of government procurement projects stating:
"There is no doubt that a vibrant UK defence industry is extremely valuable to the country, we must however, ensure that projects are delivered on time and on-budget. Defence autonomy must not come at disproportionate expense to the taxpayer.
Far too many MOD procurement projects are vastly over budget, months if not years behind schedule and not getting to those who need them most; the troops on the frontlines"
Further Information:
Nick Harvey has raised concerns in the House of Commons over the spiralling cost of UK procurement projects such as the Typhoon II "Eurofighter" and the A400 M transport aircraft.
During Nick Harvey's visit to the Farnborough Airshow he met with the following defence contractors:
BAE SYSTEMS:
BAE are the UK's largest defence contractor and currently play a part in most of the British Armed forces procurement projects from the Joint Strike Fighter to CVF, the recently announced Royal Navy aircraft carriers. BAE generated over £15 Billion in sales last year and are the world's 3rd largest defence contractor.
LOCKHEED MARTIN:
Are another major UK defence contractor and are a major partner in the JSF project. Lockheed Martin are responsible for current military hardware including the C-130J Hercules and the Royal Navy's Merlin helicopter. The JSF project is expected to secure over 8,400 jobs in the UK and is worth a potential £50 Billion to the UK economy.
THALES:
Thales is a major investor in the UK, and has been supplying to the British military for over 50 years. Among its many projects the group is a major developer of Un-manned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are playing an increasingly important role in modern warfare.
EADS:
EADS is a major manufacturer of European defence related services. It is a major partner in the Eurofighter consortium which is set to become the RAF's principle fighter aircraft. EADS is also the developer of the A400 M Transport aircraft which is to replace the aging Hercules as the UK's principle transport aircraft.
FINMECCANICA:
Finmeccanica are the owners of AugustaWestland Helicopters based in Yeovil and are a major producer for the UK military. Major products include the Super Lynx 300 and the Apache AW MK1 used by UK armed forces. Although Finmeccanica is an Italian Defence contractor they are also a major employer within the UK with considerable industrial capability housed in the UK.
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