MP praises combat ability of Fylde built jet

A RAF Eurofighter Typhoon arrives at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, to bolster the number of jets at the base which began the first British bombing runs over Syria. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday December 3, 2015. The air strikes were carried out within hours of a vote by MPs in the Commons to back extending operations against Islamic State (IS) from neighbouring Iraq. Four RAF Tornado jets, which carry a range of munitions including Paveway IV guided bombs and precision-guided Brimstone missiles, took off from the Akrotiri base in Cyprus but defence officials refused to be drawn on the targets of their mission. See PA story POLITICS Syria. Photo credit should read: Nick Ansell/PA Wire

Fylde MP Mark Menzies has described how impressed he was after seeing the Warton-built Eurofighter Typhoon in action on military operations for the first time.

The Typhoon receives its final assembly at the BAE Systems’ Warton site in the Mp’s constituency which provides work for thousands of Fylde coast employees.

The Typhoon can act as an air to air defender or in a ground attack role and is undergoing a series of upgrades to its weapon capability and radar systems which will keep it as the mainstay of the RAF for decades to come.

The Member of Parliament visited RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, the air force’s forward mounting base for overseas operations in the Middle East, where he saw the aircraft in active service first-hand. Previously, Mr Menzies had only seen the Typhoon on the assembly line at Warton, performing displays at air-shows and during testing in the skies above the Fylde coast.

He said: “Having worked closely with BAE Systems and the RAF for many years I know all about the qualities of the Typhoon, which is the world’s most advanced combat aircraft and something I am very proud is built in Fylde. Over the years I have been to various events supporting the company in keeping the order-book full to protect highly-skilled well-paid jobs in Warton.

“At those events the Typhoon is always the star of the show.

“However, having seen the aircraft in active service you are really made aware of the range and power of the aircraft, which can be used for a large number of different roles supporting British interests from the sky.

“Speaking to pilots and ground staff who work with Typhoon on a daily basis, it was clear how highly they thought of the aircraft and its array of capabilities.

“However, they also raised some issues with me which I was able to then take back to BAE Systems to ensure they are receiving the appropriate support on the ground.”