Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Cobham expands facilities at RAF Brize Norton

Defence

Cobham expands facilities at RAF Brize Norton

Cobham Mission Systems today announced the expansion of its facilities supporting the AirTanker consortium at Royal Air Force (RAF) Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

Above: RAF A330 Voyager refuelling a Tornado and a Typhoon.
Courtesy Cobham © Geoffrey Lee

Cobham Mission Systems aims to increase the capability, speed and efficiency of its repair and return of parts operations. This supports the Voyager fleet of Airbus A330s, which provide state-of-the-art air-to-air refuelling, air transport and aero-medical evacuation capability for the Royal Air Force (RAF).  

Advertisement
ODU RT

“Our team is thrilled to be advancing our Service Centre operations in the AirTanker facility at Brize Norton,” said Jonathan Connell, senior vice president general manager for Cobham Mission Systems in the UK.

“This will allow us to enhance our team’s ability to more rapidly and cost effectively service and repair our equipment installed on the Voyager fleet, which is incredibly critical to the mission of the Royal Air Force. By bringing more of our technology and innovation expertise to benefit broader RAF operations, we’re doubling down on our commitment to helping secure the nation. Additionally, this move gives us a great way to open up more opportunities for repair and service operations through our Service Centre in Wimborne, which will continue to serve as our largest central repair and service hub in the UK.”

By opening more bandwidth of its service and repair team at Brize Norton, Cobham Mission Systems plans to boost service flow and support at its facilities in Wimborne. In total, a core fleet of 10 Airbus A330 Voyager aircraft are supported by a team of designated workshop engineers across the two UK locations.

Cobham Mission Systems continues to invest heavily in further refined technologies, applications and solutions that may inspire future innovations for the aviation marketplace.  

Advertisement
ODU RT

Since being awarded the contract in 2008, Cobham Mission Systems has been providing ongoing support to AirTanker and the Airbus A330 Voyager fleet located at the Brize Norton RAF base. Located about 75 miles north-west of London, Brize Norton is the largest RAF station. Cobham is a core part of the AirTanker team, who provide air transport and air-to-air refuelling capability.
 
Cobham Mission Systems provides the most trusted solutions in aerospace globally today, ranging from cutting edge, reliable air-to-air refuelling solutions that include modern tanker hose and drogue equipment, to modern and fully digital electric systems as well as advanced life support solutions. Now delivering fifth-generation hose and drogue designs, Cobham Mission Systems provides a comprehensive portfolio of air-to-air refuelling products that include wing pods, fuselage refuelling units, buddy-buddy refuelling and a range of refuelling probes.

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
BAE Systems awarded US Army M109A7 Paladin contract

Defence

BAE Systems awarded US Army M109A7 Paladin contract

17 June 2026

BAE Systems has received a contract award valued at $535 million to produce additional M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzers and M992A3 Ammunition Carriers for the US Army.

QinetiQ joins UK Quantum Growth Alliance

Defence

QinetiQ joins UK Quantum Growth Alliance

17 June 2026

QinetiQ has been invited to join the UK Quantum Growth Alliance, a new government–industry partnership bringing together senior representatives from leading British companies to accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies across the UK.

IDV showcases latest UGV innovations at Eurosatory 2026

Defence Events

IDV showcases latest UGV innovations at Eurosatory 2026

17 June 2026

At Eurosatory 2026 in Paris this week, IDV has been showcasing its latest innovations in uncrewed ground vehicle platforms, alongside a simulation of uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) integration into battlefield command and control centres.

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

Aerospace Defence

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

17 June 2026

Wall Colmonoy Ltd has officially launched a £2.5 million Vacuum Precision Investment Casting (VPIC) facility in South Wales, contributing to the advancement of the UK’s aerospace and defence manufacturing capability.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BAE Systems invests in European start-ups

Defence

BAE Systems invests in European start-ups

17 June 2026

The UK’s largest defence company, BAE Systems, will be committing €50 million to venture capital (VC) funds focused on backing European defence-tech start-ups.

Marshall Aerospace wins RAF BBMF Dakota support contract

Aerospace Defence Events

Marshall Aerospace wins RAF BBMF Dakota support contract

17 June 2026

Marshall Aerospace has won a multiyear engineering contract for ZA947, the Douglas C-47 Dakota Mk III training and display aircraft owned by the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB