Lancashire will remain at the forefront of the UK’s combat air strategy.
That was the message from ministers after Mark Menzies spoke in a Defence Topical Questions session in Parliament this week.
Mer Menzies joined the proceedings and said: “As you are well aware, Mr Speaker, BAE Systems plays an integral role in the economy of Lancashire.
“May I ask the Secretary of State to continue to push for an integrated approach to acquisition in the air sector so that the ground-breaking work on Tempest, which is vital for the UK to retain its sovereign freedom of action, is at the core of future plans for our outstanding Royal Air Force?”
Tempest is a sixth-generation aircraft led by the UK as part of the UK Combat Air Strategy. The project will pioneer new technology and involve suppliers and skill bases across the UK.
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin told Mr Menzies: “My hon. Friend is absolutely right that the RAF must have the very best capabilities to meet future threats. This is naturally a focus of the integrated review, and I can assure him that Lancashire’s critical role in combat air, and the skills it represents, are very much recognised and understood.