Defence

BAE Systems awarded F-35 MRO&U contract

Posted 12 February 2019

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract from the F-35 Joint Program Office, to carry out Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul & Upgrade (MRO&U) services for F-35 avionics and aircraft components, for the European, Asia-Pacific and global fleet, which builds on the company's support of the global F-35 fleet in the UK and Australia.

Above: An F-35 landing.
Crown Copyright

In Europe, this work will be carried out by Sealand Support Services Ltd (SSSL), BAE Systems' partnership with the UK Government and industry partner, Northrop Grumman, whilst in the Asia-Pacific region this work will be carried out by BAE Systems Australia, alongside a number of Australian defence companies.

Chris Boardman, Managing Director, BAE Systems – Air, said: "The selection of the UK and Australia to undertake this activity is recognition of the advanced military aircraft support skills and capabilities we have in the UK.

"Within BAE Systems we have a strong track record of working alongside our national and international customers, and industry partners, in delivering innovative and cost effective support solutions and we look forward to bringing this further in to the F-35 programme.

"Across our global enterprise, we play a crucial role on the F-35 programme in the UK, US and Australia, and today's announcement further strengthens this contribution."

This new assignment will support hundreds of additional F-35 jobs in the UK - many of them at the MoD’s Defence & Electronics Components Agency (DECA) at MoD Sealand, where the majority of the work will be carried out (scheduled to commence in 2020) by the innovative joint venture between the MoD (DECA), BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman, namely Sealand Support Services Ltd.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "This announcement keeps Britain right at the centre of the global F-35 partnership, the largest defence programme in history. It is a vote of confidence in our highly-skilled workforce and high-tech industry that provides us and our allies with the very best of what British engineering has to offer.

"Our vision of Global Britain brings with it new and exciting opportunities to provide top quality goods made in Britain to the rest of the world.

"This deal builds on the strong foundations of the UK’s enduring defence partnership with the US. It is a significant boost for British jobs and those highly-skilled workers who enable these world-class fighter jets to continue keeping us safe and secure."

Above: RAF F-35B Lightnings at RAF Marham.
Crown copyright

This assignment recognises the world-class skills and critical support being provided at DECA - an MoD-owned Executive Agency. It places North Wales at the very heart of F-35 support delivery for the next 40 years and directly supports hundreds more high-tech F-35 jobs in the UK.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: "With this announcement, MoD Sealand is once again proving its credentials as a vital component repair hub for the F-35 aircraft.

"The UK’s defence outlook is bolstered by the skills of thousands of people employed across the industry in Wales, including those supporting essential equipment to the Armed Forces.

"I’m delighted that the skills of our labour force have been recognised with this reinforced investment in the north-east Wales economy, which will continue to provide a prosperous source of employment and growth to this region through the wider supply chain over the coming years."

Sir Simon Bollom, CEO of the MoD’s procurement agency, Defence Equipment and Support, added: "In winning this work, the UK has demonstrated how the MoD can collaborate effectively with industry bringing together a highly skilled and experienced workforce to offer an innovative and best value support solution for the benefit of F-35 partners.

"The UK also benefits from a long-term commitment to the F-35 programme and its unique defence relationship with the US. Together with our partners from DECA, BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman, SSSL will be able to offer the F-35 programme engineering excellence, world-class innovation and agility."

Above: An RAF F-35B Lightning performing a hover manoeuvre.
Crown copyright

DECA has a long and illustrious history in providing avionic services to fast-jet aircraft. This further F-35 assignment reaffirms DECA’s role in providing services and support to the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft for decades to come.

DECA’s Chief Executive, Geraint Spearing said: "It is particularly pleasing that we will provide such a critical and substantial element of the Global F-35 component sustainment solution. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our workforce and will secure these world class skills in support of defence and security for many years to come."