LONDON, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Britain said on Monday it had beenchosen as a global repair hub providing maintenance, repair,overhaul and upgrade services for F-35 fighter avionic andaircraft components.
The decision will generate hundreds of millions of pounds ofrevenue for the British defence industry, with the potential tounlock more than 2 billion pounds of future F-35 support revenueover the lifetime of the programme.
"This establishes Britain as a hub for all European F35s andis hugely positive news for our high-tech and innovative defenceindustry," Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said.
"Building on the strong foundations of Britain's pre-eminentand enduring defence partnership with the US, this decisionsupports British jobs and helps keep Britain safer and moresecure."
The UK offering will be based on a partnership enterprisebetween Defence Electronics & Components Agency (DECA), BAESystems and Northrop Grumman, supported by key F-35Original Equipment Manufacturers. The work will be centred inWales. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Stephen Addison)