The introduction of the new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers will be a “huge moment” for the Solent region, according the Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon.
The Cabinet Minister made the comments following a meeting with Conservative MP Candidate Alan Mak, who emphasised the importance of Havant-based businesses Lockheed Martin and Wartsila for their substantial contributions to the carrier project.
Lockheed Martin will build the new F35B joint strike fighter jets that are housed on the vessels and Wartsila crafted the diesel generators that power both carriers.
Lauding the Conservative government’s investment in the local region, Fallon said: “For Portsmouth it is the single biggest regeneration of the city for years. We are already seeing a huge amount of expenditure, we have already spent some £90million preparing Portsmouth for the carriers. Not just the dredging of but the renovation of the dock and new buildings and there will be big opportunities for small businesses in Portsmouth in servicing the carriers when they come alongside working on their maintenance. This is huge moment for Portsmouth.”
The project is the largest that the Royal Navy has ever undertaken. HMS Queen Elizabeth will be the first to arrive in Portsmouth this autumn, after she has passed 11 weeks of sea trials. The second vessel HMS Prince of Wales is due to arrive in Portsmouth in 2019.
“I am incredibly proud that two Havant businesses have played such an important role in the new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers project,” Alan said. “I visited the Rosyth dockyard in Scotland to see construction for myself, and the carriers will safeguard the UK's interests well into the future. They will be the most powerful surface warships ever constructed for the Royal Navy and I can’t wait to see them on the water. We should all be proud of Havant's role in our defence and security.”
Picture: Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon in conversation with Conservative MP Candidate Alan Mak