Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production
Unite has long campaigned for a new UK order of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.
Union heads at Unite, a leading union for the defence and aerospace sector, have criticised the UK government for its approach towards future Eurofighter Typhoon procurement and production – fearing a gap would lead to loss of skills in the workforce.
According to Unite, hundreds of workers at BAE Systems’ Warton facility have been transferred to other BAE factories or RAF bases as there are “no further domestic or export orders” for the Typhoon aircraft.
According to reports by The Financial Times, citing a union official, only one jet remains at BAE Systems’ Warton production facility with work on
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Pentagon’s 800% PAC-3 MSE surge faces production bottleneck as Patriot demand soars]()
Pentagon’s 800% PAC-3 MSE surge faces production bottleneck as Patriot demand soars
The Pentagon wants to procure 3,203 PAC-3 MSE interceptors in FY2027, but production constraints and international demand could impact efforts to rebuild depleted missile stocks.
-
![AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus]()
AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus
While a potentially accelerated acquisition timeline could strengthen the RAAF’s long-range air combat capability, Canberra’s continued reliance on US missile production is also put under the spotlight in parallel to its push to build a sovereign industry.
-
![Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?]()
Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?
Demand signals for counter-drone technology are strong and the market is becoming crowded, but is this really the beginning of a new phase of warfare or will commentators be talking about something else 10 years from now?
