“World-class facilities”: Swann presses Ministers on Aldergrove’s next role

RAF Aldergrove, and (inset) South Antrim MP Robin Swann speaking in the House of Commons

Robin Swann MP has urged the Government to act with urgency to ensure the “full utilisation” of Aldergrove’s world-class military facilities, following the withdrawal of RAF Puma helicopters and the end of a long chapter in the site’s aviation history.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the South Antrim MP questioned the Ministry of Defence on how it intends to address a growing capacity gap in medium-lift helicopters, after the final fly-past of three RAF Pumas at Aldergrove on 26 March last year marked the formal conclusion of helicopter operations at the base.

The former Joint Helicopter Command Aldergrove has played a central role in UK military operations for decades, and Mr Swann used the Commons exchange to highlight both the strategic importance of the site and the opportunity presented by its existing infrastructure.

He asked what urgency was being applied by the Government to secure the future of the base and prevent under-use of its facilities, at a time when defence capabilities are under increasing scrutiny.

Responding on behalf of the Government, the Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, acknowledged the sustained pressure from Mr Swann and confirmed that Aldergrove remains firmly on the Ministry of Defence’s radar.

He told the Commons:

“The hon. Gentleman and I have had a number of conversations about Aldergrove, and I suspect we will continue to do so.”

The Minister also confirmed that the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan will set out a new mix of capabilities designed to maintain the UK’s lift capacity, including both traditional aircraft and emerging technologies.

According to Mr Pollard, the plan will include a blend of “crewed and uncrewed” systems, with autonomous platforms expected to play an increasing role in future defence operations.

Following the exchange, Mr Swann said the departure of the Pumas had left a tangible gap — not only in operational capability, but also for the local area, which has long identified with the base and its personnel.

He said:

“Aldergrove has a long and proud history as a strategic hub for our Armed Forces, but since the Pumas took their final flight last March, there has been a notable gap in medium-lift capacity.

“While I welcome the Minister’s confirmation that Aldergrove remains a key part of our ongoing conversations, we need a clear commitment to fully utilise the world-class facilities we have here in South Antrim.

“Through either traditional crewed aircraft or new autonomous systems, the priority must be ensuring Aldergrove remains at the heart of our national defence infrastructure.”

The future of Aldergrove is viewed locally as more than a defence issue, with the base long seen as a symbol of service, technical expertise and employment in the area.

Mr Swann’s intervention reflects wider concern that, without clear direction, a strategically important site could be left under-used at a time when defence readiness is increasingly critical.