MoD invests £1.1bn in military flying training

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is set to invest £1.1 billion in continuing the modernisation of military flying training in the UK.

The new Fixed Wing flying training system will provide training for modern aircrafts as well as up-to-date ground based training devices such as simulators and classroom learning for aircrew across the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and Army Air Corps.

The £1.1 billion contract has been drawn up with Ascent Flight Training, which will design, deliver and manage the Fixed Wing training service until 2033 and is expected to provide around 200 jobs across the UK.

Philip Dunne, Minister of State for Defence Procurement, said: “This is fantastic news for the future of our military aircrew, providing them with a modern training system which will equip them to deliver on the front line.

“With our strong commitment to air power as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review and our investment of £178 billion in equipment over the next 10 years, this contract is further proof of our commitment to invest in the UK’s defence capabilities for the future, ensuring that we continue to be a world leader in military flying training.”

The contract will cover the provision of elementary flying training, basic flying training and multi-engine pilot training, and will deliver the services through a single prime contractor, ensuring coherent delivery of the training system.