A £53 million refurbishment of the airfield at RAF Waddington has begun, covering aircraft bays, taxiways, drainage and approach lighting at the Lincolnshire station that hosts the Royal Air Force’s intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance force and the Red Arrows, according to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
The organisation is delivering the project on behalf of Air Infrastructure for the RAF, and Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure Ltd is carrying out the works, with Ramboll UK providing technical services.
Several aircraft bays and taxiways are being refurbished, new drainage systems installed and approach lighting upgraded, work intended to improve the resilience of the airfield infrastructure for years to come. Extensive planning was carried out with RAF units and station staff so that flying operations can continue throughout.
Air Commodore Phil Reid, head of Air Infrastructure, said: “Our commitment to investing in the RAF’s operational capability is clearly demonstrated in this project. One of a programme of airfield infrastructure projects underway, I’m pleased to see the continued collaboration through DIO’s Programmatic Approach with Lagan Aviation and Ramboll UK.
“The size and scale of projects such as at RAF Waddington present many challenges, in both their planning and delivery. Air Infrastructure will continue to work closely with colleagues in DIO, at stations and with our industry partners to ensure the RAF remains ready to fly and fight by ensuring our airbases are able to operate at maximum efficiency.”
Pete Shaw, project manager at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said: “I am pleased to see work commencing on this vital refurbishment project at RAF Waddington. This work will enhance the resilience and reliability of the airfield, ensuring Service personnel have the facilities they need to train and operate effectively, helping Defence remain ready to respond.”
Robert Weston, project director at Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be starting works on the refurbishment of the airfield at RAF Waddington on behalf of DIO. Over the course of the project, we will continue to work with our stakeholders, utilising our expertise and experience gained through past successful projects. We have planned the works collaboratively with the Station to ensure operations are not impacted during the construction works.”
Waddington serves as the hub of British ISTAR, which supplies British and NATO commanders with the information their decisions rest on, and it is also home to the RAF Aerobatic Team.
Completion is expected in summer 2028, and the work forms part of a wider programme of airfield infrastructure projects across the estate, among them the recently finished resurfacing of the runway intersection at RAF Marham, which came in three weeks ahead of an eight-week schedule.
Usually followed by a base closure – see Leuchars!