Jobs created through US military aircraft deal

Three Boeing E-7 Wedgetail early-warning aircraft are scheduled to enter service with the Royal Air Force in 2026, the MoD said

More than 150 jobs are expected to be created in Birmingham with the confirmation of a new contract to build military aircraft for the US.

The £36m deal, to deliver surveillance aircraft for the US Air Force, secures a further 190 jobs across the UK, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

It is the first time in more than 50 years that the UK will help build military aircraft under contract for the US Air Force, a spokesperson added.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: "The relationship between the UK and US has never been stronger, and this new deal with Boeing creates and supports hundreds of jobs across the UK - making defence an engine for growth and strengthening our collective security."

As part of the contract, two existing Boeing 737 passenger aircraft will be significantly overhauled and upgraded, the MoD said, to create two highly advanced prototype early-warning surveillance aircraft.

The UK has already ordered three state-of-the-art Boeing E-7 Wedgetail early-warning aircraft, scheduled to enter service with the Royal Air Force in 2026, which the MoD said already supported 190 jobs in the UK, 130 of them in Birmingham.

"As Boeing expands its production line, [those in] the new 150 jobs in the UK will modify two prototype E-7A Wedgetail aircraft using the airframe from new commercial aircraft which will be the first E-7A models received by the US," the MoD said.

The UK E-7 programme has more than 40 UK-based suppliers involved, including the construction of two new engineering facilities.

The contract announcement coincides with US president Trump's second UK state visit.

Commenting on the contract, Healy added: "This deal is a vote of confidence in Britain's world-leading defence industry and delivers on the commitments set out in our Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy, making us secure at home and strong abroad."