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Britain will help build military aircraft for the United States for the first time in more than half a century, under a new contract that will create hundreds of jobs and strengthen the UK’s defence industry.
The agreement between the UK government and Boeing will see more than 150 new positions established in Birmingham, with a further 190 jobs supported across the country. The contract, worth more than £36 million (AU$73.7 million) to the UK economy, involves converting two Boeing 737 passenger aircraft into highly advanced prototype E-7A Wedgetail early-warning and surveillance aircraft for the US Air Force.
The Wedgetail, equipped with powerful radar and sensor systems capable of tracking hostile aircraft, drones and missiles at ranges of more than 480 kilometres, is already set to play a central role in Britain’s future defence posture. The Royal Air Force has ordered three aircraft due to enter service from 2026.
Currently, 190 highly skilled workers are employed on the UK Wedgetail program, including 130 in Birmingham. Boeing’s expansion will add another 150 local roles to carry out the modification work, with Britain supplying the first E-7A prototypes to the United States.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the deal demonstrated both the depth of the trans-Atlantic security partnership and the economic benefits of defence investment.
“The relationship between the UK and US has never been stronger, and this new deal with Boeing creates and supports hundreds of jobs across the UK – making defence an engine for growth and strengthening our collective security,” Secretary Healey said.
The announcement comes just a week after the launch of the UK Defence Industrial Strategy, which earmarked £250 million for new regional defence growth deals and £182 million for a nationwide skills package. Five new technical colleges will be established to train and upskill thousands of defence workers.
More than 40 UK suppliers are already engaged in the Wedgetail program, including local firms involved in building new engineering facilities at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.
The deal will also benefit the US industry, with American defence companies contributing components into the global E-7 supply chain. Final assembly and testing of the aircraft will take place in the United States, supported by hundreds of American engineers and technicians.
The RAF’s own Wedgetail fleet is currently undergoing fit-out in Birmingham, with the first delivery scheduled for 2026.
Secretary Healey said the agreement was “a vote of confidence in Britain’s world-leading defence industry” and would ensure the UK remained “secure at home and strong abroad”.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
