Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Serco supporting RAF with Surface Finish expertise

Defence

Serco supporting RAF with Surface Finish expertise

Serco has been awarded a contract extension to continue supporting the Royal Air Force (RAF) with its specialist Surface Finish aircraft painting expertise for another two years with the option for an additional year.

Above: Serco’s Surface Finish team based at RAF Marham recently produced and wrapped a special livery for the F16 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the F-16 Fighting Falcon’s first flight. This aircraft was displayed for the first time at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 heading up the static line-up of F-16s from around the world. The special livery was designed by Andy Donovan of ‘Dynamic Vectors’. The Serco team based at RAF Marham used specialist software & printing equipment to produce the final design, which was then applied to the F16’s fin, tailplanes and fuel tanks with vinyl wrapping.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The contract started on 1st April 2024 and is valued at £18 million.

Doug Umbers, Managing Director of Serco’s Defence business, said: “We are delighted to be continuing to provide this vital service to the RAF for a further two years. Our Surface Finish teams operate at RAF bases across the UK where they work hard to make a positive impact and provide a superb service to help keep the RAF’s fleet flying.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“I am particularly proud of the expertise the Surface Finish teams have contributed towards the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the F16’s first flight at RIAT 2024.”

Serco’s Surface Finish team are experienced aircraft painters and have been providing specialised military aerospace re-finishing for the RAF since 2009. The team has previously supported the RAF with special projects including the DDay 80th anniversary and the RAF 100th anniversary celebrations and for many of the squadron centenaries.

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

Defence

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

22 May 2026

QinetiQ has increased the capacity of its vessel testing facility with the addition of a new water tank that will enable larger uncrewed mine hunting vessels’ magnetic fields to be measured and lowered to counter underwater threats.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

Defence

Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

22 May 2026

Hexagon’s Portable Metrology Division has introduced a new wireless probe that adds contact measurement to its high-speed HYPERSCAN large-volume laser scanning system, improving productivity during alignment, inspection and reporting.

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

Defence

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems Bofors, which signed a purchase agreement to acquire Swedish supplier of precision mechanics and advanced component machining for aerospace and defence products, Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB in February 2026, has now completed the acquisition.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB