UK Armed Forces will benefit from world-class equipment training
and testing under a contract which supports more than 1,200
skilled jobs across the UK.
The five-year £1.5 billion contract extension with British
defence firm QinetiQ provides test, trial, training and
evaluation of defence equipment and capabilities at 16 Ministry
of Defence sites. This includes missile firings, test pilot
training and delivering live-threat scenarios.
The Long-Term Partnering Agreement will sustain 1,200 UK jobs,
including more than 200 in Scotland and 200 in Wales, delivering
on the government's Plan for Change by boosting jobs and
prosperity for working people, while keeping the nation
safe.
The investment supports an extensive supply chain of 825
companies, including 590 small-to-medium enterprises -
demonstrating the government's commitment to small businesses and
their access to the defence market and ensuring defence is an
engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK.
The contract will ensure UK Armed Forces equipment remains
combat-ready and will support the delivery of future
capabilities, including the Global Combat Air Programme's
next-generation combat aircraft.
The Agreement has supported key moments for UK capabilities,
including the first launch of a ballistic rocket into space from
the UK, the first firing of a high-power laser directed energy
weapon – DragonFire – against aerial targets and Europe's first
successful demonstration of teaming a piloted aircraft with an
autonomous air vehicle.
Defence Secretary MP said:
“Rigorously tested equipment and the trialling of emerging
technologies are key to ensuring our Armed Forces are using
combat-ready capabilities on the frontline.
“The contract will help keep Britain secure at home and strong
abroad, as we drive forward innovation to bolster our national
security and support skilled jobs across the UK.
“With hundreds of British businesses supported by this investment
through QinetiQ's supply chain, we are demonstrating how defence
is an engine for growth across the UK, and delivering on our Plan
for Change.”
Under the agreement, QinetiQ will invest in modernising the UK's
equipment testing capabilities to keep pace with operational
needs. The contract will also support around 30 early careers
professionals, providing development opportunities such as
digital training in modelling and simulation for
engineers.
Earlier this month, QinetiQ hosted Formidable Shield, a NATO
joint strike exercise, at the Hebrides range in Scotland – one of
the 16 Ministry of Defence sites managed under the Long-Term
Partnering Agreement, which was first signed in 2003.
Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer at QinetiQ,
said:
“Through the LTPA, we play a vital role helping to protect and
enhance the UK's defence and security. The extension of our
partnership with MOD enables us to continue investing to deliver
the transformational change in test and evaluation that's
required to ensure our armed forces have operational advantage
over disruptive technologies.
“We're seeing increased demand for our services from NATO
countries and this LTPA extension positions the UK as a leading
centre for T3E, and facilitates the delivery of major equipment
platforms as well as future upgrade programmes.”
