The Welsh Secretary welcomed the Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, to Welsh bases leading the way in training and education.
In a visit spanning the length of the country, Welsh Secretary, Alun Cairns and Minister for Wales, Nigel Adams, joined Gavin Williamson as they inspected some of the Welsh bases contributing to the UK’s vital defence capabilities.
From speaking to those undertaking fast jet training in Hawk aircraft at RAF Valley to exploring the School of Technical Training at St Athan, the UK Government Ministers saw first-hand what Wales has to offer in defence, security and innovation.
On their visit to RAF St. Athan, the UK Government Ministers met high-ranking representatives from the Welsh-based RAF and army to discuss their ambition for the future of the south Wales base.
RAF Valley on Anglesey is home to the No 4 Flying Training School, responsible for training the UK’s next generation of world-class fighter pilots. At the base, the UK Government Ministers were given the opportunity to meet some of the 2,210 regular UK Armed Forces personnel based in Wales and hear of their experiences on the Anglesey base and further afield.
Mr Williamson said: “The 2,210 regular and 1,080 reservist Armed Forces personnel in Wales make a tremendous contribution to the security and prosperity of the United Kingdom. Wales is home to our 160 Brigade HQ, a light infantry unit, the fast jet pilot training school at RAF Valley and their ground engineering school at MOD St Athan, as well as vital training facilities around Brecon.
“Defence invests £945 million each year with businesses in Wales supporting 6,300 jobs, from General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil, building armoured vehicles for the Army, to the high tech work of Qinetiq in Aberporth, and the Defence Electronics and Components Agency in Flintshire, which supports our new world-beating RAF F-35 fast jets.”
Image © Peter R Foster IDMA / Shutterstock.com
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Alun Cairns Gavin Williamson Nigel Adams RAF St. Athan
Post written by: Matt Brown
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