Industry Reaction to Eurofighter Typhoon Decision

(May 14, 2009) -- The Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) the UK's aerospace, defence and security trade association has today (Thursday) reacted to the Government's announcement on Eurofighter Typhoon tranche 3.

Ian Godden, SBAC Chief Executive, said:

"We are pleased that the Government has confirmed its intention to participate in tranche 3 of Eurofighter Typhoon. This is a significant step to confirm the future of the programme and the capabilities that it will provide for our armed forces. However, it does not remove fully some of the uncertainty over the long-term future of this programme, which supports thousands of UK jobs, particularly in the North West of England.

"The decision represents a vote of confidence in the high quality of Eurofighter Typhoon. It is also a signal from the Government that the high-tech manufacturing sector - and aerospace defence in particular - will provide a major contribution to the UK economy's recovery from the recession. It will go some way to sustaining the UK as a centre of excellence in aerospace defence and safeguarding jobs but will also help boost Typhoon's prospects of winning the substantial export orders our economy needs."

Source : SBAC