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
FIA2026 animated banner
BAE Systems and PGZ win British-Polish Collaboration Award

Defence

BAE Systems and PGZ win British-Polish Collaboration Award

29 May 2026

The British Embassy in Warsaw and the British Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) has jointly awarded Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and BAE Systems the 'British-Polish Collaboration Award', for exemplifying a high impact UK–Poland industrial partnership, delivering tangible outcomes for Polish national and European security.

Babcock and Truflo Marine pilot to support AUKUS

Defence

Babcock and Truflo Marine pilot to support AUKUS

29 May 2026

Babcock is to lead a UK pilot initiative with Truflo Marine to demonstrate how allied submarine sustainment supply chains can be mobilised more quickly across the UK and Australia to strengthen capacity, support operational availability and build long-term industrial resilience in support of AUKUS and Submarine Rotational Force – West.

Parker Chomerics introduces CHO-AIR VITA 48.5 chassis seal

Aerospace Defence

Parker Chomerics introduces CHO-AIR VITA 48.5 chassis seal

28 May 2026

The Chomerics Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation is introducing its CHO-AIR VITA 48.5 chassis seal, an advanced air flow-through (AFT) sealing solution that meets the mechanical and interface requirements of ANSI/VITA 48.5-2026.

DSEI Germany appoints military advisory board

Defence Security Events

DSEI Germany appoints military advisory board

28 May 2026

DSEI Germany has appointed three distinguished military advisors as it prepares to debut at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds from 9th - 12th March 2027.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Rauma Marine Constructions selects IFS Cloud solution

Defence

Rauma Marine Constructions selects IFS Cloud solution

27 May 2026

IFS today announced that Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), a Finnish shipbuilding company, has selected IFS Cloud to modernise its digital foundation and strengthen control across its complex shipbuilding programmes.

Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

Defence Space

Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

27 May 2026

The UK’s first successful download of data from space using a deployable laser communications ground station has been achieved by Archangel Lightworks for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB