Finmeccanica welcomes Defense Minister Michael Fallon in its advanced electronics center in Edinburgh

(To Finmeccanica)
04/03/16

The Minister of Defense Hon. Michael Fallon today visited Finmeccanica's center of excellence in Edinburgh dedicated to defense and security electronics. The minister was welcomed by Norman Bone, head of the Avionics and Space Systems Division.

at the Scottish plant radar and electronic systems are developed among the most advanced in Europe. Michael Fallon said: "The competences present in Scotland are fundamental for the defense of UK. We are supporting the development of these capabilities by increasing the budget of the year defense. The Government is indeed maintaining its commitment to NATO in securing the threshold of 2% of military expenses in addition to investing 800 million in innovation. All this, together with ours pilots deployed at Lossiemouth, submarines stationed at Faslane and the regiments of the army, pose Scotland at the center of the national defense system".

Norman Bone commented: "I am delighted to receive the Minister of Defense at our Edinburgh site. We are proud to collaborate with the Armed Forces and to provide our customers with advanced technologies that respond promptly and effectively to their needs. Our systems are essential for all types of operations and the investments we make in the UK defense and security sector also encompass research, staff training and the partnerships we build with other companies in the UK and overseas.".

During the visit, the minister met Carol Marsh, an engineer who works in the Division and who recently received the “Everywoman in Technology” award for her commitment to promoting an engineering career among students, especially women. Marsh also chairs the Institute of Engineering and Technology in Scotland.