International Deal Safeguards 150 Scottish Aerospace Jobs
A new deal between the UK, Sweden, and Thailand will secure around 150 jobs in the Scottish aerospace sector.
The deal, worth £177m to the UK supply chain, involves Swedish defence company Saab providing four Gripen fighter aircraft to the Royal Thai Air Force over the next five years.
- The jobs at aerospace firm Leonardo will be safeguarded.
- The Gripen's radars are built at Leonardo's Edinburgh site.
- An additional eight aircraft may be ordered in the next decade.
Around 40% of the aircraft parts are being made in the UK, which could result in a supply chain value to UK businesses of up to £530m.
The deal follows a two-year campaign involving close collaboration between the UK Government's department for business and trade, Sweden, Thailand, and firms like Leonardo.
Author's summary: UK-Sweden-Thailand deal saves 150 Scottish aerospace jobs.