Two Ministry of Defence contracts worth £364 million have been secured by Oakdale defence firm, General Dynamics UK.
The five-year contracts to provide design, engineering and logistic support for the Bowman radio system will secure 140 skilled jobs at the plant.
The MoD has awarded two five year contracts to General Dynamics UK to provide design, engineering and logistic support for the Bowman radio system that is used by personnel across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
Bowman radios are used by the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and allow personnel on land, at sea and in the air to communicate on operations around the world.
Steve Rowbotham, Chief Operating Officer of General Dynamics UK, said: “With our proven supply chain and support infrastructure, General Dynamics UK is uniquely placed to successfully deliver these contracts in parallel and ensure that the British Armed Forces have the security of supply and support as they continue to meet operational requirements around the world.
“We are delighted to be able to continue with the successful partnership that has delivered world-class secure tactical communications to the British Armed Forces, building on this unique UK sovereign capability.”
Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, said: “For more than a decade, Bowman radios have played a vital role on operations, helping our personnel communicate sensitive information.
“I am delighted these significant contracts will protect 140 skilled engineering jobs in South Wales, allow us to deliver better for value for money for the taxpayer, and most importantly ensure personnel on operations have the secure equipment they need.”
I though it was going to read as a great success story for Welsh industry. General Dynamics isn’t even a British company; it’s American. General Dynamics operates in Britain under the control of an American who takes any new technology and makes decisions good for the USA. BAE Systems operating in the USA, as required by law, operates as a subsidiary with an American in control. It’s a problem of Britain’s open economy…