MOD confirms no replacement contract for VIP heli transport

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed that it will not place a contract to replace the Rotary Wing Command Support Air Transport (RWCSAT) Helicopter Service, which previously provided rotary-wing transport for senior military personnel and government officials.

Responding to a written question from Richard Holden MP (Conservative, Basildon and Billericay), who asked about the budget for a replacement service, Defence Minister Maria Eagle stated:

“The Ministry of Defence is not placing a contract for replacement of the Rotary Wing Command Support Air Contract. Future Ministry of Defence senior leader rotary wing transport will be met through a Cabinet Office administered Commercial Travel Contract and will use existing Department transport budgets.”

The RWCSAT service, previously operated by Sloane Helicopters, provided an important means of transport for senior officials. The contract was set to expire at the end of 2024, and earlier proposals for a five-year extension worth £40 million were ultimately scrapped.

No plans to use military helicopters for ministerial travel

In September 2024, Defence Secretary John Healey explained the decision to discontinue the contract, saying it was essential to “ensure value for money for the taxpayer.” This forms part of a broader MOD strategy to reprioritise spending and modernise defence capabilities.

Under the new arrangement, VIP transport will now be provided via a Cabinet Office-administered Commercial Travel Contract. This will make use of existing departmental transport budgets, streamlining operations and aiming to reduce overall costs, in line with the government’s focus on financial responsibility.

The cancellation of the RWCSAT contract is one of several measures aimed at improving efficiency across the MOD. In November 2024, the MOD announced plans to save £500 million over five years by retiring outdated military equipment, including older helicopters and warships.