LONDON, Jan 19 (KUNA) - The United Kingdom signed on Monday a GBP 205 million (about USD 274 mln) contract with the British industry to support its fleet of Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters and support allies in NATO.
A statement by the Ministry of Defense revealed that the contract was awarded to British company QinetiQ, showcasing the ministry's interest in developing the country's defenses.
Commenting on the signing, Luke Pollard, the UK's Minister of State for Defense Readiness and Industry, said, "Through our continued UK investment in the Typhoon programme and last year's GBP 8 billion (about USD 11 billion) Typhoon export deal with Turkiye, we are showing how defence is an engine for growth supporting prosperity across the country." Meanwhile, CEO of QinetiQ, Steve Wadey, said, "This contract is a testament to our commitment to the government's defence as an engine for growth agenda.. Working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, we are investing in cutting-edge technology that increases our productivity and elevates our vital expertise." Recently, the Royal Navy announced the successful maiden flight of its full-sized autonomous helicopter specialized in tracking submarines and carrying out high-risk missions.
These announcements in the UK come as tensions in the North Atlantic region continue, with the British alluding to a potential Russian threat. (end) gta.aa