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Indian decision on French fighter aircraft could have serious implications for BAE Systems

31 January 2012

Unite, the UK's biggest union, has warned that the Indian government's selection of a French fighter aircraft for a $10 billion contract could have serious implications for BAE Systems and the UK aerospace industry.

Commenting on the news that the Dassault Rafale has been given preferred bidder status by India, beating the Eurofighter Typhoon into second place, Ian Waddell, national officer for aerospace and shipbuilding, said:

"We are seeking confirmation from BAE Systems that Rafale has been selected as their preferred fighter by India.

"The Typhoon is a superb aircraft which supports thousands of highly skilled jobs in the UK, both at BAE Systems and in the supply chain.

"We are concerned about the serious implications this decision may have and want urgent talks with the company about future plans for the workforce. There are other export orders to be won and it is critical that the company maintains its commitment to Typhoon despite this setback."

The CSEU, an umbrella body for manufacturing unions is meeting with the MoD's Procurement Minister, Peter Luff next week and the unions will raise this issue as a priority. Unite continue to concentrate its efforts to deal with the 3,000 potential redundancies at BAE Systems at Brough , Salmesbury and Warton which were announced late last year.



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