Local MP Alan Mak has shown his support for the defence and aerospace sector in the Havant Constituency at the Farnborough International Air Show 2026.
Farnborough is the birthplace of aviation and FIA is an important event for the global aerospace and defence communities.
Mr Mak toured the show and met Lockheed Martin UK CEO Paul Livingston. Lockheed Martin is the world's biggest aerospace company and employs more than 450 people at its UK Rotary and Missions Systems base at Langstone Park in Havant.
Staff there are involved in supporting key military programmes, including Merlin helicopters and F-35 Lightning fighter jets.
In addition they oversee the TIQUILA unmanned aerial system. Lockheed Martin is partnering with the Ministry of Defence on this Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance programme.
The company will welcome Joanna Wood as new site leader for Havant in the autumn.
During his visit Mr Mak got the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of some of the latest helicopters and aircraft being supplied to UK Armed Forces
He also attended a summit on how to finance the defence and rearmament of the UK and met other defence contractors to support their work for the Armed Forces.
He said: "Local defence businesses play a very important role in supplying the latest technology and equipment used by our Armed Forces around the world and I support the local jobs it sustains.
"The aerospace and defence sectors are an important part of the whole Solent region, employing thousands of people and making a big contribution to the local economy."
