The F-35 avionic and aircraft component repair hub in North Wales was awarded a second major tranche of work — worth around £500 million — by the US Department of Defense last month.

Following the announcement in 2016 that the UK would be the location of the global repair hub for the initial tranche of F-35 components, this latest news will result in significantly more work for the UK, with hundreds of additional
F-35 jobs — many of them at the MoD’s Defence & Electronics Components Agency (DECA) at MoD Sealand in Flintshire, where most of the work will be carried out.

The deal will see crucial maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for an even wider range of F-35 avionic, electronic and electrical systems.

It builds on the innovative joint venture formed between the MoD (DECA), BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman — called Sealand Support Services Ltd (SSSL).

The contract places North Wales at the heart of F-35 support delivery for the next 40 years.

The Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, said: “MoD Sealand is once again proving its credentials as a vital component repair hub for the F-35 aircraft. The UK’s defence outlook is bolstered by the skills of thousands of people employed across the industry in Wales, including those supporting essential equipment for
the Armed Forces.

"I’m delighted that the skills of our labour force have been recognised with this reinforced investment in the north-east Wales economy, which will continue to provide a prosperous source of employment and growth to this region through the wider supply chain over the coming years.”

Geraint Spearing, DECA’s chief executive, said: “It is particularly pleasing that we will provide such a critical and substantial element of the Global F-35 component sustainment solution.

“This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our workforce; it will secure these world-class skills in support of defence and security for many years to come.”