UK seeks new light aircraft in Project TELUM

The Ministry of Defence has signalled the start of Project TELUM, a future contract to provide aerobatic-capable light training aircraft, qualified instructors, and associated support services for military flying training.

The notice, published on 15 September, outlines a requirement for a 10-year deal running from April 2030 to March 2040.

According to the MOD, the programme will deliver ground and flying training for University Air Squadrons, Air Experience Flying for MOD-sponsored cadets, and flying grading and streaming for the Army and Royal Navy. The aim is both to inspire and attract young people to RAF careers and to underpin wider Defence flying grading activities.

The Prior Information Notice states that capability is required “to inspire and attract young people to a career in the RAF to include ground training, powered air experience and flying training, whilst simultaneously providing a means to enable non-established, critical Defence tasks and pan-Defence flying grading and streaming activity, using a suitably capable light flying training aircraft supported by robust core services.”

The contract will require a suitably capable light training aircraft, supported by engineering and other core services at permanent sites across the UK. Support packages will cover aircraft maintenance, engineering services, and logistics. The requirement also extends to ground training, powered air experience, and grading and streaming activity across the services.

The notice adds that support services will include “aircraft engineering and other supporting services at permanent sites across the UK.”

Procurement falls under professional and defence service categories including flying-school services, ground flying trainers, military aircraft, and engineering services. Renewals are available, but no closing date has yet been specified, and the notice is described as “a possible future purchase.”