300 skilled roles have been secured following the UK government’s increased investment into Edinburgh-based factory, Leonardo UK.
This factory is the UK’s largest manufacturer of the sensors and electronic systems controlling the world’s most advanced aircraft.
They have been tasked with equipping Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons with new radar systems, which aim to provide “high-powered jamming capability whilst engaging targets beyond the reach of threats.” As stated by Leonardo UK, pilots will maintain an operational advantage in environments which are becoming increasingly complex.
This is part of the government’s recent awarding of £435m to fund upgrades to the Eurofighter Typhoon fleet, supporting more than 20,000 jobs overall.
During a visit to Leonardo, John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence, said: “as the threats we face increase, and as Russian drones continue to strike Ukraine and violate NATO airspace, this cutting-edge radar capability will keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad for many years to come.”
Edinburgh University’s Labour Society (ELS) welcomes the Labour government’s decision, telling The Student that it will bring: “highly skilled and unionised jobs to Edinburgh, clearly demonstrating the government’s continuing commitment to the Strategic Defence Review and investment into Scotland.”
ELS continued: “Diplomacy is always the first preference of the government but as recent events in Greenland have demonstrated, the UK must invest in its defence going forwards to ensure our safety and security.”
“RAF Typhoons” by Defence Images is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.