FLINTSHIRE'S role as a leading partner and 'vital component' of a global fighter jet programme has received a huge boost.

The F-35 avionic and aircraft component repair hub in Sealand has been awarded a second major assignment of work worth some £500M by the US Department of Defence.

This new assignment will support hundreds of additional F-35 jobs at the MOD’s Defence & Electronics Components Agency (DECA) at MOD Sealand, where the majority of the work will be carried out.

It will see crucial maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for an even wider range of F-35 avionic, electronic and electrical systems for hundreds of F-35 aircraft based globally.

The winning solution builds on the innovative joint venture formed between the MOD (DECA), BAE Systems, a British multinational defence, security, and aerospace company, and Northrop Grumman, an American global aerospace and defence technology company. It will be called Sealand Support Services Ltd (SSSL). SSSL support work and services for F-35 are scheduled to commence from 2020.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said he was 'delighted' by the news.

He said: "With this announcement, MoD Sealand is once again proving its credentials as a vital component repair hub for the F-35 aircraft.

"The UK’s defence outlook is bolstered by the skills of thousands of people employed across the industry in Wales, including those supporting essential equipment to the Armed Forces.

"I’m delighted that the skills of our labour force have been recognised with this reinforced investment in the north east Wales economy, which will continue to provide a prosperous source of employment and growth to this region through the wider supply chain over the coming years."