Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Accepted
Prioritise retaining Typhoon workforce and securing export orders to bridge Tempest production gap.
Conclusion
Retention of the existing Typhoon manufacturing workforce, made more challenging by dwindling production runs and the gap until full-scale production of Tempest is underway, must be a priority; and securing further Typhoon export orders to ensure a consistent pipeline of production will be critical to achieving this goal. (Recommendation, Paragraph 92) 31
Government Response Summary
The government is actively investing in Typhoon, supporting industry in pursuing several major export campaigns, placing domestic orders for more aircraft, and BAE Systems has a plan to deploy staff across programs to retain the workforce.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
GCAP is building on the Typhoon skills base to develop new industrial techniques and technologies, in both design and manufacturing. At the same time, the MOD continues to invest in Typhoon to maintain the Royal Air Force’s cutting-edge military capability, as well as supporting our industry partners in pursuing export opportunities. maintenance of the UK’s combat air production lines in advance of GCAP. The MOD and industry are currently pursuing several major Typhoon export campaigns which, if successful, would see a significant number of orders. Given the UK’s workshare in Typhoon, this would translate into a pipeline of work that would bolster our highly skilled workforce for years to come. Export success could also come from our Eurofighter Partners, who are pursuing their own campaigns in tandem. Domestic orders for more aircraft are also being placed and UK industry will play a major role in their production. These orders underline the confidence of our partners that Typhoon will remain the backbone of their combat air fleets for decades. Should there however be any gap in final assembly production lines, BAE Systems have a plan in place to deploy staff across the wider Typhoon programme and other complex combat air programmes in their business. expert manufacturing workforce.