Baldwin agrees to strengthen maritime aviation cooperation with US

Minister for Defence Procurement Harriett Baldwin has signed a P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) with US Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work, an agreement which will strengthen the UK-US defence relationship.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), in 2019 the UK will receive delivery of its first Poseidon P-8A aircraft. Both nations have also committed to deepen their defence cooperation when operating in the North Atlantic region.

The declaration means the nations will seek new opportunities to share logistics and support bases and optimise the use of P-8A aircraft, particularly in Europe, to increase value for money and operational effectiveness.

Minister for Defence Procurement Harriett Baldwin commented: “The United States is our pre-eminent Ally in global defence and collective security. This declaration is further evidence of how our two countries continue to cooperate and build mutual security, particularly in the North Atlantic region.

“Backed by a rising defence budget and a £178 billion Equipment Plan, the P-8A programme will provide us with enhanced surveillance capabilities.”