Boeing secures UK Apache and Chinook support contract

Image courtesy Boeing

The contract will sustain approximately 700 Boeing Defence UK jobs across Southern England and Scotland, including locations such as Middle Wallop, Odiham, Wattisham, Bristol, Gosport, Yeovil and Almondbank. 

Additionally, around 500 jobs will be supported across the UK supply chain, including 300 roles at UK-based partner StandardAero, with plans to increase apprenticeships to as many as 50 over the next three years.

Sir Jeremy Quin, President of Boeing UK & Ireland said: “This contract highlights the UK Government’s commitment to maintaining a world-class rotary wing capability and strengthening the country’s defence industrial base.

“It will help ensure our armed forces remain equipped to meet both current and future operational challenges with confidence and resilience.”

RWE is a comprehensive support service for Joint Helicopter Command. As prime contractor for Chinook and Apache, Boeing aims to enhance the capability and availability of the UK’s rotary wing assets.

Thom Breckenridge, Managing Director of Boeing Defence UK, said: “Boeing Defence UK has a proud legacy of delivering sustainment, maintenance, training and integration services for the UK armed forces.

“We are honoured to deepen our support for the UK’s Apache and Chinook fleets through the Rotary Wing Enterprise programme. By consolidating support contracts, Boeing Defence UK will provide a more integrated and efficient service to the Ministry of Defence, enhancing platform readiness and sustaining over 700 highly skilled jobs.”

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said: “From the workshop to the frontline, this investment delivers for our military, for the British people and the British defence industry," said  "Our workhorse Chinooks and lethal Apaches help keep our Armed Forces safe and operating effectively while on deployment.

“This contract shows how we’re ensuring our Armed Forces have the kit and equipment they need to keep Britain safe. 

“We are investing record levels into defence, meaning no return to the hollowed out and underfunded Armed Forces of the past, while making defence an engine for growth.”

The contract covers ongoing aircraft support, maintenance, supply chain management, training and integration services, ensuring the UK’s rotary fleets remain mission ready.