£300m contract will see 140 RAF and Navy aircrew trained up with latest tech

The MOD has awarded a new £300m contract to Ascent Fight Training, which is set to help train 140 RAF and Navy aircrew every year.

The eight-year contract will enable improvements in flying training, as well as investment in local communities and help to boost jobs.

It will also include the construction of state-of-the-art training facilities at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose and Royal Air Force (RAF) Cranwell.

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The government says these will use advanced technology in a safe, cost-effective manner to reduce flying hours and cut the carbon footprint of flight training.

"This significant investment represents important progress in preparing our Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel for the challenges of modern warfare," said Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle.

"Not only will this state-of-the-art training ensure our Armed Forces remain at the forefront of military readiness, but it also delivers on our Plan for Change by creating high-quality jobs and strengthening local economies."

The increased budget allows the capacity to train four times as many aircrew as before.

The new funding will help improve infrastructure used by the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS), to ensure trainee aircrew can access the latest advances in technology – factoring in the role of drones in modern military warfare, for example.

"This new flight training contract is a significant step forward for the UK's defence capabilities, ensuring that Armed Forces personnel have access to world-class training resources," said UKMFTS Team Leader, Captain Polly Hatchard.

"The contract reinforces our commitment to providing the highest level of readiness and operational effectiveness whilst creating new jobs across the UK and investing in regional economies."

"The introduction of the Future ISTAR and Rear Crew Training System will ensure that we can safely deliver world-class personnel to the frontline to operate in vital roles on our latest aircraft platforms – including Poseidon, Rivet Joint and Wedgetail," said Air Commodore Rob Caine, RAF Head of Flying Training.

"Once training is complete, Mission Aircrew will be qualified to operate the latest applicable innovations on platforms such as Merlin Mk2 and Wildcat helicopters, RAF Poseidon MRA1 aircraft, Rivet Joint, and remotely piloted air systems such as the Protector RG Mk1."

In February this year, the Government announced that spending on defence will increase to reach the Government's set target of 2.5% of GDP by 2027.