“We’re working with the UK government on a number of those campaigns presently,” Hamilton said, referring to ongoing efforts to secure international contracts. When asked if he believed these campaigns would result in orders, he responded: “yeah, absolutely,” suggesting there could be potential for up to 150 additional jets.
Hamilton attributed this confidence to the UK’s continued investment in upgrading the Typhoon, which extends the aircraft’s operational life and appeal to foreign buyers. “The confidence it gives the export partner, you know, with the Saudis, with the Turkish, when they see that this thing has a life, it just makes the whole conversation so much easier,” he explained.
BAE Systems’ future production lines depend heavily on these new orders, with trade unions warning that without them, final assembly work could dry up by the 2030s. The outcome of the current sales campaigns will be critical in maintaining long-term employment and capability at the firm’s UK sites.
Source: Reuters.
