Home News $102.2m initial training, maintenance contract for UK F-35 fleet awarded

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$102.2m initial training, maintenance contract for UK F-35 fleet awarded

March 31, 2017

The contract has been awarded to Lockheed Martin to deliver initial training, engineering and logistics support for the UK F-35 fleet over three years.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

“Nothing demonstrates the strength of our relationship better than our joint work on the most advanced combat aircraft in the world – the F-35 Lightning II and the UK is proud to be the future hub for all the European jets.

The additional investment at RAF Marham will ensure that we have a formidable fighting force that, at a time of growing danger, in the most momentous of weeks, will help us work with our US partners to promote international peace and security.”

Peter Ruddock, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin UK said:

“The F-35 Lightning II will play a crucial role in defending the UK for decades to come. We at Lockheed Martin are honoured and excited to bring our knowledge and expertise to bear and to our ongoing role in supporting the world’s most advanced fighter when the F-35 Lightning II arrives at RAF Marham next year.”

Andrea Thompson, F-35 Lightning II Senior Vice-President at BAE Systems, said:

“We are extremely proud of our continued relationship with the UK and the dedication of our people at RAF Marham. We are working hard to prepare for the arrival of F-35 Lightning II and this contract is the next step towards that reality.

This contract builds upon our pedigree in delivering maintenance and support to the UK’s fast jet fleets at bases across the country, including at RAF Marham where we have been supporting the operation of the Tornado GR4 fleet for the last decade.”

Lockheed Martin has sub-contracted work worth £40m to BAE Systems and together the two companies will form a team of more than 100 skilled technicians at RAF Marham, which will provide engineering and technical expertise, deliver air-crew and ground-crew training and facilitate routine maintenance.

BAE Systems will take the lead sustainment role for F-35 Lightning II in the UK with Lockheed Martin continuing as prime contractor for global operations.