Submarine sonars deal brings pounds 200m jobs hope

A pounds 200m CONTRACT for submarine sonars will create new jobs and safeguard hundreds more, it was announced last night.

Ferranti-Thomson Sonar Systems, of Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Greater Manchester, which won the contract, will carry out the development and initial production of four sets of Sonar 2076 for the Trafalgar nuclear submarine fleet.

Jonathan Aitken, Minister for Defence Procurement, said: 'At a price in excess of pounds 180m it is the largest single sonar order placed for some time and will continue to keep the Royal Navy at the forefront on sonar technology and capability into the foreseeable future. The contract is likely to create a number of new jobs and will safeguard hundreds of others at FTSS and at many sub-contractors, and will be welcomed by British Industry.'

Market report, page 28