Good News Britain: The MoD is placing contracts with British companies and securing British jobs For more than 40 years the Sea King helicopter has performed a range of operational roles for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. It has deployed troops to the frontline, provided airborne surveillance and has been the guardian angel to sailors while on Search and Rescue duty across the UK and Falkland Islands. This maintenance contract extension to 2016 secures 500 jobs across the country, not only at the AgustaWestland factory in Yeovil but also across the extensive defence supply chain. This is the latest example of the MoD placing contracts with British companies and securing British jobs. The UK Defence sector is vital. It employs around 300,000 people across the UK and contributes £2bn a year in taxes to the Exchequer and £35bn to the wider economy. Over the next 10 years the Government will spend £160bn on military equipment. By balancing the Defence budget and eliminating the inherited black hole, for the first time in decades industry has the confidence to know that once a project is in the core programme, it is funded and will be delivered. The MoD's priority must be delivering the kit our Armed Forces need at the best value for money for UK taxpayers. We are committed to open procurement which encourages our suppliers to be as competitive as possible, which we believe is the best way to support the UK Defence industry. This Government is providing unprecedented support for UK Defence exports, sustaining domestic investment in defence science and technology and helping UK smaller firms increase their access to military contracts. The recently launched Defence Growth Partnership - co-chaired by Business Minister Michael Fallon and Senior Defence industry leader Steve Wadey - will bring industry and government together to identify further ways to remove barriers to growth and enhance the competitiveness of the UK Defence sector. Philip Dunne MP is Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology