The defence review announced on the 19th October ended the UK requirement for Harrier, Nimrod MRA4 and vertical take off F35 which all provide work in the local BAE SYSTEMS factories. The Nimrod has been in work for well over 10 years and much of the design and development is complete although upgrades and support would be expected. The Harrier fleet is a support activity but its termination coupled with end of the the vertical take-off F35 requirement reduces the UK foot in the door of advanced technology that was gained with the Harrier some 40 years ago.
What the implications are for the the status of the UK in the F35 programme will unfold as the details are finalised. Not to ignore the Rolls Royce involvement. Samlesbury has major investment due to the F35 and it would be bad for the region if this was affected.
That the Tornado and Typhoon continue as the RAF’s prime fighters is good news. No mention of the future of unmanned aircraft projects although the French relationship is increasing overall which might be a clue.