These vehicles offer soldiers, medics and other Army
personnel protection from mine and ballistic threats as
they navigate rough terrains on the battlefield.
NP Aerospace has secured the £63m contract for the upkeep,
update and upgrade of more than 2,200 protected mobility
vehicles based in the UK and on operations.
The contract will support approximately 100 jobs in
Coventry and 250 jobs across the UK supply chain until
2024. A further 50 jobs will be created at NP Aerospace’s
HQ in Foleshill.
Defence Minister said:
Armoured vehicles save lives on the battlefield and this
contract will ensure they are repaired, upgraded and
returned to the frontline as quickly as possible.
This vital contract demonstrates how the MOD benefits
every region of the UK by providing hundreds of skilled
jobs and multi-million-pound investment to the West
Midlands.
As an example, under this contract, a request could be made
by Army personnel in Afghanistan to fit a new loudspeaker
to a Foxhound patrol vehicle. NP Aerospace will rapidly
design, procure and fit the equipment, as well as providing
technical advice throughout the contract period.
Other protected mobility vehicles to benefit from the
contract include Mastiff, Wolfhound, Ridgeback, RODET,
Jackal, Coyote and Husky vehicles, all of which are
currently being used by the British Army for either
training or operations in the UK and overseas.
Director Land Equipment for DE&S Major General Colin
McClean said:
The Protected Mobility fleet has been hugely important
for defence over the last 15 years, saving numerous lives
on operations. It is vital that we continue to invest in
our battle-winning capabilities, ensuring that they are
always ready for training or operational purposes.
Given its significant role now and in the future, I am
pleased we are partnering with NP Aerospace to deliver this
contract”.
The MOD invested £622m with industry in the West Midlands
in 2017/18, sustaining 4900 jobs across the region.
