MOD announces RAF Typhoon deal set to generate £500m in savings

The Ministry of Defence has announced a landmark 10-year support arrangement for the RAF’s Typhoon jets, which is set to save over £500 million and sustain hundreds of UK jobs.

Minister for Defence Philip Dunne made the announcement at Farnborough International Air Show (FIAS). The arrangement with BAE Systems is expected to be worth around £2.1 billion and will sustain high value jobs at sites including Typhoon’s Main Operating Base at RAF Coningsby and BAE Systems’ site in Warton.

The move is aimed at delivering o third on their savings on current support and maintenance costs which can then be reinvested to continue upgraded Typhoon’s capabilities.

Dunne commented: “This is an exciting, innovative support contract for our Typhoon aircraft. It will not only provide more efficient support and availability for our Typhoon fleet. But it will also help ensure Typhoon continues to meet the RAF’s future operational requirements, including from 2019 undertaking the air-to-ground roles currently performed by our Tornado jets.

“This major contract sustains hundreds of jobs while representing a substantial change in the way support is provided, optimising and driving efficiency into current ways of working.