Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, questioned the Ministry of Defence yesterday about the new B-variant of the joint strike fighter (JSF) aircraft, which is currently under development and utilises components from local South Staffordshire business Moog.
During Questions on Monday, Gavin asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Defence, Mr Philip Dunne MP, what assessment he had made of the progress of the aircraft’s development and how many countries had expressed interest in its development.
Mr Philip Dunne MP said: “Development of the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the joint strike fighter aircraft is progressing well. I saw for myself our third aircraft, of which we have now taken receipt, when I visited Lockheed Martin’s facility in Forth Worth in April, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State also witnessed an F-35B demonstrating its hover capability at Pax River last month.
“The STOVL variant, the mainstay of the US Marine Corps, has conducted nearly 3,000 flight hours to date, including vertical landings and short take-offs from the USS Wasp. The US, Italy and the UK are the three nations currently committed to procuring the STOVL variant. The UK is working with all joint strike fighter European partner nations to determine the most cost-effective support solution across Europe.”
In a supplementary question, Gavin questioned what the government would be doing to promote the export of the aircraft, in order to provide a boost for British businesses such as Moog, in South Staffordshire.
Gavin said: “Moog aviation, based in my constituency, will be a major supplier of components to the new short take-off and vertical landing engine fitted on the joint strike fighter. Will my hon. Friend assure the House that he will do all he can to promote the export opportunities for the JSF, which will act as an enormous boost to many aerospace component manufacturers in the west midlands?”
Mr Philip Dunne MP responded: “The UK is the only tier 1 partner in the joint strike fighter partner programme, which is the largest defence programme in the world. UK industry will provide approximately 15% by value of each JSF to be built, which will secure aerospace industry jobs in this country for decades.
“Five hundred British companies are already involved in the programme, through fair and open competition. Indeed, the UK’s decision to revert to the STOVL variant has increased orders for Rolls-Royce lift system engines for STOVL aircraft, from which the company in my hon. Friend’s constituency will benefit. The British defence industry is exceptionally well placed to benefit from any future export opportunities for this fifth-generation aircraft.”
Commenting further after the session, Gavin said: “These new fighter jets are going to be a major boost for Staffordshire and the Black Country, creating many more high skilled jobs. I hope this opportunity is going to be maximised through the export of these fighters around the world.”