Jobs secure after £5bn aircraft deal with Qatar

BAE Systems has announced a contract valued at £5 billion to supply aircraft to Qatar, helping to secure jobs in the UK.

The deal to supply Typhoon aircraft to the Qatar Emiri Air Force includes a support and training package.

The contract is subject to financing conditions and receipt by the company of first payment, expected to be fulfilled no later than mid-2018.

The contract provides for 24 Typhoon aircraft with delivery expected to commence in late 2022.

Around 5,000 workers in the UK are employed on building the Typhoon, mainly at Warton in Lancashire.

BAE Systems is the prime contractorforboththeprovision of the aircraft and the agreed arrangements for the in-service support and initial training.

Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems chief executive said: “This agreement is a strong endorsement of Typhoon’s leading capabilities and underlines BAE Systems’ long track record of working in successful partnership with our customers.”

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “The contract will secure work on the production line at Warton into the next decade.”