The Ministry of Defence intends to award a 12-month extension to the National Engine Support Contract 2.5 (NESC2.5) with Rolls-Royce PLC for the provision of Maintenance Level 2 (ML2) in-service support for the TP400 engine powering the UK’s A400M transport aircraft.
According to the voluntary ex ante transparency notice, the £12 million extension, effective from 1 October 2025, is intended to ensure continuity of service while preparations are made for the next phase of the support contract, NESC3.
The MOD states that the extension is being placed without a competitive tender under Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the UK Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011. The contract is being awarded directly to Rolls-Royce PLC due to technical and operational factors that prevent competition.
According to the notice, Rolls-Royce is the only UK-based member of the Europrop International (EPI) consortium, which designed and supports the TP400 engine. The MOD states that only an EPI member can provide the necessary technical services at ML2, due to exclusive access to engineering data, tools, and maintenance infrastructure.
Furthermore, Rolls-Royce is the only UK operator with:
- A fully accredited TP400 Engine Uninstalled Test Facility in the UK.
- An MAA-certified ML2 Repair Facility.
- The specialist knowledge and equipment required to meet the MOD’s strict turnaround times (TAT) for in-service support.
Scope of the Extension
- Contract Value: £12 million (excluding VAT).
- Contract Duration: 1 October 2025 – 30 September 2026.
- Services Covered:
- ML2 in-service maintenance and repair of TP400 engines.
- Ensuring operational availability of the A400M fleet.
The MOD states that alternative providers would face technical and logistical challenges, including customs and transport delays, which could impact operational readiness.
The extension provides additional time for the MOD to finalise the long-term engine support contract (NESC3), which is expected to be awarded to Rolls-Royce PLC following this interim period.
Photo by Ronnie Macdonald [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons.
I’m so hoping that part of this uptick in funds will be used for the long-delayed plugging of the hole created by the retirement of the C130s. 8 A400Ms were planned and would deliver the same mass. It also fits with investing in UK/European industry and we already have the support in place.
I feel sorry for the engineers that need to maintain them.