BAE Systems pitches Eurofighter to Finland

BAE Systems is leading a bid to the government of Finland which is seeking to replace its F-18 Hornet aircraft currently in service.

Eurofighter has submitted its best and final offer to Finland, which is built on an ongoing relationship that will create high-skilled jobs in the country.

The proposal includes an invitation for Finland to have a role in the future capability development of an advanced new radar for Eurofighter and over 80 packages of work for Finnish companies including a final assembly line, engine build and maintenance, and research and development projects being spearheaded by MBDA.

The offer is backed by the governments, air forces and industries of the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Spain, which make up the Eurofighter partner nations.

BAE Systems, which employs around 10,000 people at its sites in Warton and Samlesbury, Lancashire, is leading the bid on behalf of the consortium.

If Eurofighter is successful in the competition, Lancashire employees would play a major role in supporting the delivery of the offer submitted.

Jeremy Quin MP, the UK Minister for Defence Procurement, said: "The Eurofighter partnership on offer represents the best all-round package for Finland.

"It is affordable within the Finnish budget; it provides security of supply through industrial participation that delivers high-tech jobs for the duration of the aircraft’s service life, and it delivers outstanding military capability, all underpinned by a government-to-government partnership."

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