Swann Welcomes Recognition of Aldergrove’s Strategic Importance
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed recent comments from senior military leaders highlighting the importance of the Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station Aldergrove to the United Kingdom’s national security.
Brigadier Piers Ashfield, Commander of 38 Brigade said during a recent visit to Aldergrove that the site occupies a strategically essential position for the defence of the UK. Wing Commander Rob McCartney, Commanding Officer of 201 Squadron, further emphasised that this airfield is essential for monitoring the North Atlantic and protecting the infrastructure that the UK and Europe depend on.
Mr Swann has continually raised the strategic value of the Aldergrove base during his engagements with Ministry of Defence ministers and the Secretary of State for Defence. He has argued that the base must be fully integrated into the wider defence thinking of the United Kingdom.
Mr Swann said:
"I am pleased to see that the strategic importance of Aldergrove is being fully recognised at the highest levels of the armed forces. I have pressed this point repeatedly with the Defence Secretary and his ministers.
“As the most westerly base available to the United Kingdom, the case for Aldergrove has always been clear to me.
"I look forward to ensuring that this airfield remains firmly on MOD’s radar for investment and operational activity to keep the United Kingdom safe."
