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Thales UK welcomes announcement by government for new aircraft carriers

21 May 2008

Industry is now expected to go ahead and form the joint venture company that will help build the carriers.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said in a Written Ministerial Statement: "I am pleased to inform the House we have completed the necessary alignment of work schedule, commercial arrangements and planned annual expenditure, in relation to the Future Aircraft Carriers. This enables us to move ahead with the companies of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance to progress the contract for the manufacture of the two carriers to be named HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, which will enter service in 2014 and 2016 respectively.

"Following finalisation of legal arrangements and the formation of the planned naval shipbuilding and support Joint Venture Company, formal contract signature will take place. We have given our written assurance to the VT Group and BAE Systems of our intention to sign the contract once the company has formed."

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Baroness Taylor, said: "Today's confirmation that we are proceeding with the two aircraft carriers underlines our commitment to both the Royal Navy and to the UK shipbuilding industry. We are investing about £14bn in the Navy and in the maritime industry over the next ten to fifteen years. The future carriers will provide an important military capability and will sustain many jobs - around 10,000 at the peak of production."

Commenting on today's MoD announcement Alex Dorrian, CEO Thales UK,
says: "Thales UK welcomes today's announcement, which represents another important step forward in this significant programme. This means that the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, of which Thales UK is a founder partner, can very soon begin construction of these ships on a sound commercial footing. We are proud to have been involved from the very early stages in the design of the Royal Navy's largest and most powerful warships.

"Within the alliance of MoD and industry, Thales UK takes responsibility for system design of the platform, power and propulsion. Thales UK will also lead the aviation team responsible for ensuring the integrity of the ship with respect to aviation operations.

Working with BAE Systems, Thales UK will be a full participant in delivering the CVF's mission systems, and is committed to playing a full role in supporting the carriers in service."

The carriers will provide our front-line forces with the modern, world-class capabilities they will need over the coming decades. The work on the carriers will create or sustain 10,000 jobs across UK at the peak of its production.