Defence Secretary Gives Swann Aldergrove Assurances

The South Antrim MP Robin Swann has provided the Ministry of Defence with a number of recommendations and considerations regarding Aldergrove Flying Station following the publication of the Strategic Defence Review.

Welcoming the Secretary of State for Defence’s response, Mr Swann said:

“The confirmation from the Defence Secretary that the army recognises the need to retain and maintain Aldergrove Flying Station for the foreseeable future is excellent news. This site offers significant strategic opportunity to our armed forces, and it is right that this has been acknowledged.”

Mr Swann urged the Secretary of State to consider RAF Aldergrove as the host of the Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre, an initiative outlined in the Strategic Defence Review. In his response, the Defence Secretary outlined:

“The process to make this decision is ongoing, but your suggestion has been duly noted and passed onto the relevant team. Organisational arrangements will be developed over the coming months, with details on location to follow.”

Mr Swann said:

“The fact the Ministry of Defence is giving due consideration to using Aldergrove for the location of the Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre is very welcome and I will continue to push for this and I look forward to being kept up to date on this matter by the Secretary of State for Defence.”