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US firm wins UK tank-making deal US firm wins UK tank-making deal
(20 minutes later)
US defence firm General Dynamics has won a contract to build a new light tank for the British Army.US defence firm General Dynamics has won a contract to build a new light tank for the British Army.
The firm, which plans to manufacture most of the new tank in the UK, beat rival bidder BAE Systems to secure the contract. The firm, which plans to manufacture most of the new tank in the UK, beat rival bidder BAE Systems - where 500 under-threat jobs will now be lost.
The news is a blow for BAE's factory in Newcastle, which was earmarked to build the company's tank.The news is a blow for BAE's factory in Newcastle, which was earmarked to build the company's tank.
General Dynamics UK claims that the contract will safeguard or create 10,500 jobs in the UK.General Dynamics UK claims that the contract will safeguard or create 10,500 jobs in the UK.
The new light tank is designed to replace the Scimitar scout vehicle, providing troops with more protection and firepower.The new light tank is designed to replace the Scimitar scout vehicle, providing troops with more protection and firepower.
The contract is reported to be worth £4bn ($6bn).The contract is reported to be worth £4bn ($6bn).
Jobs blow
BAE had planned to build its contender at its Newcastle plant, protecting or creating 800 jobs in the region.
However following the tank decision 500 job losses, announced last year, will now go ahead across England.
It had hoped to prevent the job losses if the new contract had been secured.
The jobs will be lost at BAE sites in Newcastle, Leicester and Telford.
BAE has already announced the closure of its Telford and Leeds sites.
Announcing the tender decision, the Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said replacing the older vehicles was "one of the highest equipment priorities for the Army".
He said that General Dynamics UK's bid had been favoured because it represented "value for money".
He also said that the majority of manufacturing would take place in the UK, ensuring UK skills and capabilities in the armoured vehicle sector are retained.