The Ministry of Defence has agreed a new five-year deal with Boeing Defence UK to continue training UK C-17 Globemaster air and ground crews at Farnborough, safeguarding 30 skilled jobs, the MOD stated.
The agreement was secured through the National Armaments Director Group and forms part of a wider 19-year contract signed in 2021, worth £274 million overall and running to 2040. According to the MOD, the deal ensures that C-17 air and ground crews continue to receive training at Farnborough, where the simulators and training facilities are based, keeping the specialist expertise needed to train crews in the UK. The announcement coincides with the 25th anniversary of the C-17 entering service with the UK Armed Forces.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard was quoted in the press release as saying: “The continued success of this partnership demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting defence industry and delivering for local communities. By securing highly skilled jobs for the next five years, we are keeping world-class expertise here in the UK, supporting growth and ensuring our Armed Forces receive the best training possible.”
Thom Breckenridge, Managing Director of Boeing Defence UK, was quoted in the press release as saying: “We are proud to continue our support for the UK’s C-17 fleet through this important new five-year agreement, reflecting the strength of our long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the RAF. The training delivered at Farnborough plays a vital role in ensuring RAF air and ground crews are fully prepared to operate one of the world’s most capable strategic airlift aircraft safely and effectively.”
Air Commodore Si Young, Head of Air Mobility in the National Armaments Director Group, was quoted in the press release as saying: “This agreement reflects our long-term commitment to sustaining the very best training capability for our C-17 crews. The men and women who operate and maintain this aircraft depend on rigorous, high-quality synthetic training, and this contract ensures that standard is maintained for years to come.” He added: “As we mark 25 years of the C-17 in UK service, it is right that we celebrate not just the aircraft itself, but the dedicated teams at Farnborough who have worked tirelessly to keep our crews ready and our operations safe. This investment in training is an investment in operational capability, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Boeing Defence UK.”
The Farnborough facility provides synthetic training for all UK C-17 air and ground crews, offering an environment for crews to develop and maintain the skills needed to operate the aircraft. The Royal Air Force operates a fleet of C-17s from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, having first taken delivery of the type in 2001. Since then the aircraft has formed the backbone of Britain’s strategic airlift, carrying outsize cargo over long distances and operating from short and semi-prepared airstrips. Over its 25 years in service the fleet has supported operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, delivered humanitarian aid to disaster zones and airlifted British nationals out of conflict areas, including during the 2021 evacuation from Kabul.
Hoping we can get a some more refurbished models at some point.