The UK’s fleet of F-35 Lightning stealth jets will be maintained
and supported in a new £161 million contract, keeping them ready
for global combat operations.
- Support contract awarded to Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems
- Securing 140 UK jobs with majority at RAF Marham in Norfolk
- Contract will see BAE Systems deliver technical support and
training for UK’s fleet of F-35 fighter jets for next four and a
half years
Based at RAF Marham, home of the UK Lightning Force, the
investment sustains around 140 UK jobs – 130 directly at the
Norfolk base, with around 10 more through the supply chain –
delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy
creating better-paid jobs and opportunities right across the UK.
A successor to a previous agreement due to conclude this year,
the contract was signed by the US Joint Program Office and
Lockheed Martin as F-35 prime contractor, with BAE Systems to
carry out the work as a sub-contractor.
Providing support to the F-35 fleet until 2027, the arrangement
offers the UK more freedom to operate the aircraft, increases the
number of flying hours available and delivers important mission
planning, training, and maintenance capabilities.
Minister for Defence Procurement, KC, said:
Our F-35 Lightning stealth jets are a formidable fighting force,
putting us at the cutting-edge of air-borne military capability.
Supporting more than 100 jobs in the East of England, this
investment will ensure our jets remain equipped for combat
operations around the world.
Negotiated by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the
Lightning Air System National Capability Enterprise (LANCE)
contract will provide technical support and training services for
the UK’s F-35 fleet.
The F-35 Lightning is a multi-role, stealth aircraft containing
cutting-edge technologies which is flown by both the Royal Navy
and the RAF. Although based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, it also
operates from the UK’s two new Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft
Carriers and other land bases.
In addition to its short take-off and vertical landing
capability, the F-35’s unique combination of stealth,
cutting-edge radar, sensor technology, and electronic warfare
systems make it a true fifth-generation combat aircraft.
Air Cdre Phil Brooker, Hd Lightning II Delivery Team
& Combat Air Principal Engineer at DE&S, said:
The signature of the LANCE contract is a significant milestone in
the maturity of the UK’s F-35 National Support Solution and
demonstrates confidence in Lockheed Martin and BAES’ ability to
enable the nation’s critical F-35 Freedom of Action capability
and deliver the necessary support to the UK Warfighter.
Adopting lessons from the previous two year ‘Operate and
Demonstrate’ phase contract, LANCE 23 offers value for money,
whilst also increasing the overall scope from the previous
contract and introducing significant capability enhancements
critical to the generation of Air Vehicle Availability.
Additionally, BAES as the on-site lead ensures that wider UK
Combat Air portfolio synergies are realised, and drives a culture
of Continuous Improvement, marking out the MOD, US DoD and
Industry as valued strategic partners.
As part of the contract, BAE Systems will continue to deliver
pilot and groundcrew training together with a range of other
critical services, including an ejection seat and canopy
maintenance workshop, a ‘Pilot fit facility’ to fit aircrew
flying equipment and component spray facility to transfer
coatings onto aircraft parts.
