B.A.E. Systems and the company have signed a collaboration agreement for the design, development, supply, and support of air-to-air refueling tanker aircraft based on the Boeing 767 aircraft platform, helping to secure significant numbers of high-value jobs and skills in the UK.

The Memorandum of Understanding applies to the current UK programmer for the future provision of replacement tanker aircraft, as well as existing programmers in the United States, Japan, and Italy. The M.O.U. also applies to all future programmers globally and potential growth into other large platforms. Both Bae Systems and the company are part of TTSC, the Tanker Team.

The Chief Executive, Bae Systems said, “The bid put forward by TTSC will deliver the best capability for the UK forces, in terms of interoperability and flexibility of usage in concert with the US, as well as securing jobs, skills, and work for many years to come.”

“The global market has already overwhelmingly made its decision with the company 767 having been selected by the United States, Japan and Italy. This is why B.A.E. Systems decided to team with the company to the benefit of the UK’s defense industrial base. Today’s M.O.U. will therefore deliver very long term substantial benefits if the UK now selects the Boeing aircraft.”

The President and CEO of the company Integrated Defense Systems commented: “A significant market for tankers exists world-wide. We are excited about making Britain’s aerospace industry part of our global tanker team. Today’s announcement is firm evidence of Boeing’s commitment to the UK and support of high value engineering jobs, as well as the companies close working relationship with BAE Systems.”

US Secretary of Defense is blocking a lease-buy deal for 100 Boeing tankers while he examines the circumstances surrounding misconduct charges that prompted Boeing last week to fire two executives, including one close to the deal.