Spotlight on British Aerospace Excellence: BAE Systems, Warton

I had the privilege of visiting BAE Systems Air in Warton—an inspiring experience that showcased the very best of British aerospace innovation. I met with the incredibly skilled workforce driving forward our national defence capabilities and toured their world-class facilities.

Although the Warton and Samlesbury sites lie just outside the South Ribble constituency, their economic footprint is deeply felt within it. BAE Systems provides hundreds of my constituents with secure, high-quality jobs that offer real career progression. Their presence also strengthens our local supply chain, delivering tangible benefits to businesses across South Ribble.

The Typhoon aircraft is a remarkable feat of engineering, and I’m hopeful that many more orders will follow in the years ahead. I was also briefed on the exciting Tempest programme—BAE’s next-generation fighter jet set to be fully operational by 2035. This cutting-edge project represents the future of defence technology and plays a vital role in keeping our nation secure.

A special thank you to Tony Gilchrist (BD and Sales Director), Darren Earl (Production Delivery Director), Declan Holland (Business Strategy and Commercial Director), and the Unite Union representatives. We had productive discussions on key issues affecting the business and the future of UK sovereign defence. I’ve already begun raising these matters directly with Ministers to ensure continued support and success.