The Ministry of Defence is set to award a GBP 2.5 million contract to AEBI Schmidt UK Limited for the maintenance and support of specialist airfield clearance and de-icing vehicles, the procurement notice stated.
According to a UK5 transparency notice published by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) on 18 February 2026, the contract will cover in-service support for Airfield Surface Sweeping Vehicles, Snow Clearance Vehicles and Liquid Airfield De-Icier Sprayers used to maintain military airfields.
The notice states that three existing airfield clearance contracts are due to expire on 31 March 2026, and that the MOD intends to combine them into a single contract as part of an extension arrangement. DE&S said the contract is being extended to avoid a capability gap while a future competition is conducted. Support work will include repairs, maintenance and procurement of spare parts.
The contract is valued at £2.5 million excluding VAT, or £3 million including VAT. It is expected to run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, with an option to extend to 31 March 2028. The MOD intends to award the contract through a direct award procedure, citing “single supplier technical reasons” as the justification.
According to the notice, AEBI Schmidt is the original equipment manufacturer of the vehicles and has supported the fleet since it entered service in 2007. DE&S said only the OEM has the necessary technical knowledge and access to specialist parts required to meet the support requirement within the available timeframe, adding that there are no reasonable alternatives.
The earliest date the contract is expected to be signed is 31 March 2026.
