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
Gulfstream banner
Solar array to be installed at Bassingbourn Barracks

Defence Events

Solar array to be installed at Bassingbourn Barracks

1 April 2026

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), working with Custom Solar on behalf of the British Army, held a ground-breaking ceremony for a new solar array at Bassingbourn Barracks.

QinetiQ to establish Belgian Mission Data Factory

Defence

QinetiQ to establish Belgian Mission Data Factory

1 April 2026

QinetiQ is to support the Government of Belgium in strengthening its ability to collect, manage and exploit mission data, the information and intelligence critical to modern defence operations.

HMS Active completes float off feat

Defence Events

HMS Active completes float off feat

30 March 2026

Building on the momentum of February's dual milestone event at Babcock’s Rosyth site, the Type 31 frigate programme has reached another significant stage, with HMS Active completing the float-off process.

Lockheed Martin joins MTC as Tier 1 member

Defence

Lockheed Martin joins MTC as Tier 1 member

30 March 2026

Lockheed Martin has joined the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) as a Tier 1 member which will see it collaborate on core research, capabilities and investments and play a key role in managing projects that address some of the pressing challenges being faced by defence industry supply chains.

Advertisement
ODU RT
RFA Lyme Bay gets mine hunting tech upgrade

Defence

RFA Lyme Bay gets mine hunting tech upgrade

30 March 2026

The Royal Navy is stepping up its mine hunting capabilities with new cutting-edge uncrewed equipment being added to RFA Lyme Bay in the coming days.

British Army retire Land Rover fleet

Defence

British Army retire Land Rover fleet

30 March 2026

British soldiers will use a new fleet of thousands of modern vehicles, following the start of the retirement of the iconic Land Rover fleet earlier this month, after 70 years of service.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner