Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • MASS awarded Strategic Command JCAST contract extension

Defence

MASS awarded Strategic Command JCAST contract extension

Defence and training support company MASS has been awarded a two-year extension on the Joint Command and Staff Training (JCAST) contract for UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) Strategic Command.

Image courtesy MASS

Valued at more than £17.5 million, the contract extension will begin in July 2025 and coincide with MASS celebrating over 25 years delivering JCAST training support.

Through JCAST, MASS provides comprehensive training support for the Integrated Warfare Centre, part of Strategic Command, as well as other parts of the MoD. The training support package delivered by MASS provides a complete operational-level exercise design, preparation, delivery and analysis support capability. The contract also includes design and delivery of essential Pre-Employment Training for UK and international staff officers joining operational HQs, and a pan-Defence data management service.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The training ensures personnel are prepared for the full spectrum of potential deployments, ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief responses to non-combatant evacuations and combat operations.

Keith Norton, Managing Director at MASS said: “Modern military operations no longer take place in isolation but within a dynamic human terrain where information—and disinformation—move rapidly across the internet and social media. Training must reflect this reality. By integrating the latest technology into our exercises, the JCAST contract will ensure personnel benefit from a ‘train as you will operate’ experience.

“We are proud of our longstanding relationship with UK Strategic Command and our ongoing efforts to evolve training in line with its requirements. The introduction of an advanced simulation system — offering a fully immersive, closed environment that mirrors the complexities of both civilian and military landscapes — will see personnel train in conditions that accurately reflect today’s evolving operational challenges.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

MASS has continually developed its training support offering by integrating improved methods using the latest synthetic environment technology underpinned by its unrivalled military, diplomatic and professional experience. This enables the company’s training audiences to prepare effectively for the rapidly evolving demands of the real-world operational environment.

Air Vice-Marshal Simon Strasdin CBE MA, Director Integrated Warfare Centre, Strategic Command, said: “MASS’ training solutions are constantly improving to meet the ever-changing needs of the UK MoD. The Integrated Warfare Centre is looking forward to continuing our partnership to deliver a fully immersive training experience and equip our team with the best preparation possible.”

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Babcock returns HMS Queen Elizabeth to operational readiness

Defence

Babcock returns HMS Queen Elizabeth to operational readiness

22 April 2026

Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, has returned the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, to operational readiness following completion of a planned maintenance programme at Rosyth.

Roke introduces CORTEXA GUARDIAN

Defence Events

Roke introduces CORTEXA GUARDIAN

21 April 2026

Roke has introduced its new, advanced Counter UAS (C-UAS), CORTEXA GUARDIAN to the market, following the system's development with armed forces and mission partners across the UK and Northern Europe.

Anotec achieves AS9100 certification

Aerospace Defence

Anotec achieves AS9100 certification

20 April 2026

Surface coating specialist Anotec has enhanced its position in the aerospace and defence sectors by achieving the AS9100 certification.

Securitas appoints Alan Rae as Area Director for UK North and BAE Systems

Defence Security

Securitas appoints Alan Rae as Area Director for UK North and BAE Systems

20 April 2026

Securitas UK has announced the appointment of Alan Rae to the newly created and expanded role of Area Director for UK North and BAE Systems.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Vision Engineering appoints Harry Curtis as Technical Director

Aerospace Defence

Vision Engineering appoints Harry Curtis as Technical Director

17 April 2026

Woking headquartered Vision Engineering Group, provider of ergonomic microscopy and metrology solutions, has announced the appointment of Harry Curtis to the position of Technical Director, effective 1st April 2026.

Drone swarms central to AWE26

Defence Events

Drone swarms central to AWE26

17 April 2026

Drones have been at the centre of this year's Army Warfighting Experiment 2026, which each year brings together soldiers, scientists, industry and universities, to test new military technology.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner