A construction contract worth £27 million has been awarded to provide facilities at RAF Marham to support the new F-35B.
According to a press release, the contract has been awarded to Wates Construction Ltd and forms part of the £250 million programme of works to ready the station for the arrival of the aircraft.
Rob Dawson, Lightning II DIO Non FOA Principal Project Manager said:
“This award is great news. We look forward to working collaboratively with Wates to ensure the successful delivery of this important MOD project.
Under the contract, Wates Construction Ltd will deliver new Squadron Headquarters to support the new aircraft, scheduled to come in to service at the Norfolk Station in mid-2018.”
The works will reportedly contribute to the creation of 300 jobs.
Ian Vickers, Managing Director of Wates Construction Home Counties said:
“We are delighted to be chosen for this exciting project at RAF Marham, which is our first success on the DIO framework. We look forward to working with client and their team in the delivery of the new Squadron Headquarters and bringing local opportunities for training and employment.”
A Ministry of Defence press release states.
“The fifth generation F-35B jets are the most advanced aircraft ever built for the UK and will be operated initially by 617 ‘The Dambusters’ Squadron, Royal Air Force, followed by 809 ‘The Immortals’ Naval Air Squadron, in 2023. Combined, they will transform the UK’s ability to project UK influence overseas. They will have the ability to operate from land as well as the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers, the first of which is due to accept Lightning II onto her deck in 2019.”
