Battle for Brough: Typhoon radar plan is 'glimmer of hope' for BAE workers
WORKERS at BAE Systems in Brough have been given a "glimmer of hope" after plans to trial new technology which could boost Typhoon and Hawk orders.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed it is investing £6 million to assess radar technology, which could make the Typhoon the best fighter aircraft in the world.
Roy Cartwright, union works convenor at Brough, said e-scan radar will "open up the market for more Typhoon sales".
He said the aircraft could then compete with the French Dassault Rafale, leading to a boost in sales of the Hawk Advanced Trainer Jet, used to train pilots to fly the Typhoon.
Mr Cartwright said: "E-scan could open the market up for more Typhoon sales and make it the front-runner in any campaign in the world.
"If more people buy the Typhoon, they will need to buy a lead in trainer jet and there is no better trainer jet in the world than the Hawk.
"This could change the game altogether."
He said the development challenged BAE's decision to axe 899 jobs at Brough, ending 95 years of aviation history at the site.
"We have always said BAE's decision to end manufacturing at Brough was short-sighted," he said.
"This just shows we are right because if there are likely to be more Hawk orders in the future, there is nowhere better to build those aircraft than right here at Brough."
Ian Gent, union staff convenor at Brough, said: "It is very good news for colleagues right across the business.
"What we hope this will do is re-ignite the debate and ensure that, as part of Typhoon's export success, we are also in a position to offer a training solution and that should always be Hawk.
"If there are going to be more Hawk orders, they should be built at the home of the Hawk which is Brough."
The MoD's e-scan investment was revealed during a meeting between BAE's head of government relations, Bob Keen, and East Yorkshire MPs Karl Turner, Diana Johnson and Andrew Percy.
The MoD confirmed the £6 million assessment of e-scan, which a spokesman said would influence any "future procurement decisions."
Mr Turner, Labour MP for Hull East, said: "The Ministry of Defence has confirmed it is looking seriously at e-scan technology for the Typhoon, which I believe may offer a glimmer of hope for the Brough workforce."
Andrew Percy, Tory MP for Brigg and Goole, said: "Confirmation that the Government is investing in this technology is good news.
"I don't want to raise expectations unnecessarily, but we can now use this to make the argument that if Typhoon sales take off and more work comes in for Hawk as a result, Warton and Samlesbury will be overwhelmed with work, which is why they should keep the Hawk work at Brough."
Workers are still calling on the public to sign an e-petition launched as part of the Battle For Brough campaign. If 100,000 people sign it by visiting
www.direct.gov.uk/petitions, ministers will be obliged to debate the issue in the House of Commons.
Battle for Brough: Typhoon radar plan is 'glimmer of hope' for BAE workers | This is Hull and East Riding
