BAE Systems’ manufacturing division at Hillend near Dalgety Bay has won the major contract to develop parts of the radar systems on the next generation of the Typhoon combat aircraft.
The contract, to develop electronic components for the radar system on the Eurofighter Typhoon, will secure around 200 jobs for the next two years at the Fife plant.
It was won from Edinburgh’s SELEX Galileo as part of their contract to deliver the Typhoon Tranche 3a Captor radar programme, the primary sensor for the jet and one of the most technically-advanced airborne radar systems in the world.
Work on the programme is due to start at Hillend centre this year and will run until 2013.
It is the latest success in securing multimillion-pound deals for the Fife workforce.
Hillend has won over £165m of orders in 12 years from SELEX Galileo for Captor radar and Defensive Aids Sub-System assemblies used on the Typhoon combat aircraft.
In addition the plant, part of BAE Systems Mission Systems, has worked on hi-tech parts for Sting Ray and Spearfish torpedoes, the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers being pieced together at Rosyth dockyard, and Type 45 Destroyers
General manager Danny O’Brien said: “The recent award is a reflection of the strong business relationship between SELEX Galileo and BAE Systems Manufacturing Hillend.
“The close working style will enable effective responses to existing and next generation programmes.”
The contract represents a major programme of sub-contract work for Hillend.
Staff will work on creating a range of complex printed circuit boards and electronic modules making up one of the most vital elements of the radar system.Sterling effortVP business procurement at SELEX Galileo, Andy Brown, added: “The end result that was achieved for these contract awards has followed a number of months of sterling effort by both companies.
“We have jointly addressed the challenges from our customer chain, and also reflected the need to up the ante in a tough economic climate.
“Teamwork between our two companies made a real difference, and gives us both a strong platform for success in these important programmes.”
The news was welcomed by the political world.
Scottish Secretary Michael Moore congratulated BAE Systems, stressing the value of defence sector jobs to Scotland.
“Our armed forces require the most advanced technology in the world to do their job and that is why they keep turning to Scottish expertise at places like BAE in Fife and SELEX Galileo in Edinburgh,” he said.
“The firm is already supplying state-of-the-art technology to Royal Navy submarines and warships as well as working on the new aircraft carriers being built at Rosyth.
“This is very good news for the Fife and Scottish economy and I congratulate everyone involved in winning the contract. Expert manufacturing and our excellent armed forces are a world-class combination that Scotland can be very proud of.”
Scottish Lib Dem leader and Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Willie Rennie said: “This is excellent news for Fife.
“The securing of 200 jobs for the next two years will be a relief to workers.
“Fife has a well-|deserved reputation for excellence in this type of construction.”
However, he warned bodies must work in partnership to ensure more contracts came to Fife.
“But we need to ensure that the area can keep securing these contracts to the area.
“The Scottish Government and its agencies need to work hand-in-glove with our schools, colleges and universities to improve and broaden the skills base.”