MoD extends Boeing synthetic air training contract

The Ministry of Defence has extended a key training contract with Boeing Defence UK, awarding a £25 million deal to continue support for the Gladiator synthetic training environment under the Defence Operational Training Capability (Air) programme.

The contract extension, officially announced on 4 April 2025, will last for two years and three months, with an optional six-month extension. It aims to maintain and mature the Gladiator system as it integrates a range of air and joint fire capabilities, including Air Command & Control, Fast Air and Joint Fires platforms.

The Gladiator system forms a central part of the UK’s fast jet and aircrew operational training environment, simulating complex scenarios in a digital battlespace.

Boeing, as the original system designer, will remain responsible for ensuring technical continuity while the system evolves. According to the MOD, expiry of the current contract before these integrations are complete would present “an intolerable risk that the system is not suitably mature from an operate and maintain perspective to ensure optimal capability on future competition.”

The MoD justified the non-competitive extension under Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011, citing technical reasons. It said Boeing is the only company with the required “familiarity with the capability, the software and Application Process Interfaces” and the established relationships with subcontractors and platform manufacturers necessary to deliver the work without disruption.

The Gladiator system, operated by Defence Equipment and Support’s Synthetic Environment and Training (SET) team, is intended to provide a scalable and networked synthetic training environment for UK and allied air forces. The programme is a crucial part of the RAF’s transition toward more cost-effective, virtual training that complements live flying.

While the current extension secures system development into early 2028, a planned competitive procurement is expected to follow. A new contract competition is anticipated in early 2026, with the MOD set to publish a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice and invite industry participation. This process will open the door for other suppliers to compete for future delivery of synthetic training services, once the Gladiator environment reaches its next maturity milestone.