Govan-based Thales awarded multi-million pound defence contract
The move worth £169m will support 150 jobs in Scotland
A firm in Govan has been awarded a £169m defence contract by the UK government.
Thales Glasgow will build the the above water 'eyes' - for the future nuclear deterrent submarine class - Dreadnought.
Historic significance
The move is expected to sustain more than 150 jobs in Scotland.
The company's history with the Royal Navy goes back over 100 years.
Every Royal Navy submarine in service since 1917 has been fitted with a Thales periscope or optronics mast manufactured at its site on the Clyde.
Steven McCann is Managing Director of the company's optronics business in the UK.
He told us: "Generations of engineers in Glasgow have provided the eyes of every Royal Navy submarine since 1917.
"This announcement continues that for generations to come."
The deal has been announced as Scottish Secretary Alister Jack gets ready to chair a roundtable of leading defence companies on how to turbocharge Scotland's defence sector.
Economic growth
Mr Jack said: "It's clear that Scottish skills, expertise and innovation make an enormous contribution to the UK's defence industry, with massive benefits for our national security and economy.
"I'm looking forward to hosting ADS, its members, the Armed Forces and UK Government departments at this new forum.
"The UK Government is committed to growing our economy, including by working with the defence industry to support its success in the UK and in exporting overseas."
On the contract award from BAE Systems Submarines to Thales as part of the Royal Navy's Dreadnought programme, the Scottish Secretary said: "With more than a century's experience of building periscopes and optronic masts for our submarines, it's great news that Thales' Glasgow workforce will once again be at the forefront of producing the state-of-the-art combat system mast for our round the clock nuclear deterrent.
"Defence plays a crucial part in the security of the United Kingdom and also contributes significantly to delivering high-skilled jobs and investment in Scotland."
Beyond the UK’s nuclear deterrent, Scotland is also home to some of the UK’s most crucial defence capabilities, including our Quick Reaction Alert based at RAF Lossiemouth, and a thriving defence industry with both Type 26 and Type 31 frigates currently in build in Scottish shipyards.
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