"Joint Strike Fighter decision is good news for Rosyth" - Rennie

2.43.48pm GMT Wed 13th Dec 2006

A decision to sign up for the next phase of the Joint Strike Fighter programme is good news for Rosyth Dockyard which is set to secure work for two new aircraft carriers from which the stealthy, multi-role combat aircraft would operate.

In last minute talks the Defence Minister Lord Drayson agreed yesterday (Tuesday) to continue its participation in the development of the next generation Joint Strike Fighter only after receiving assurances from the US military that Britain would have full "operational sovereignty" over the aircraft.

Willie Rennie MP, who is a member of the Defence Committee and MP for Rosyth, welcomed the decision saying:

"This is good news for the workers at the yard as it removes another element of uncertainty about the carrier project.

"It is essential that the UK had access to all the Intellectual Property necessary to allow it to maintain the aircraft. We require full access to computer and stealth technology needed to upgrade and maintain future versions.

"I have been pressing the Government to announce when it plans to proceed with the carriers. This is an important contract for the Yard and its highly skilled employees."

Britain is expected to buy 150 JSF planes for nearly $20bn to equip the two new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers on order. Until the UK received satisfactory guarantees, it had been considering a "Plan B" of purchasing French Rafale fighters or adapting the Eurofighter Typhoon for carrier use.

The UK has contributed $2bn to the $33bn development costs of the plane so far and yesterday committed an additional $68m.