New £161m contract for F-35 maintenance and training to support UK's fleet until 2027
The UK's fleet for F-35 Lightning fighter jets is set to be maintained and supported by Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems thanks to a new £161m contract.
A contract was signed by the US Joint Program Office, with Lockheed Martin as the prime contractor and BAE Systems carrying out the work as a sub-contractor.
This new deal will support the F-35 fleet until 2027, allowing the UK more freedom to operate the aircraft, increase the number of flying hours and deliver mission planning, training and maintenance.
Minister for Defence Procurement Alex Chalk said the F-35 fleet, based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, is "a formidable fighting force".
"Supporting more than 100 jobs in the East of England, this investment will ensure our jets remain equipped for combat operations around the world."
The contract will provide both technical support and training services for the F-35s – a multi-role stealth aircraft containing cutting-edge technology.
Flown by both the RAF and Navy, F-35s also operate from both Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Air Commodore Phil Brooker, Head Lightning II Delivery Team & Combat Air Principal Engineer at DE&S, said the contract is a "significant milestone in the maturity of the UK's F-35 National Support Solution".
He added that the new contract introduces "significant capability enhancements critical to the generation of Air Vehicle Availability".
As part of the contract, BAE Systems will continue to provide pilot and ground crew training, as well as other critical services – including ejection seat and canopy maintenance.
Based at RAF Marham, the contract for the UK Lightning Force will sustain around 140 UK jobs.
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