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20 May 2025

�鶹���¼� awarded c£70m contract to deliver essential UK defence services

Simon Tate of Draken, Emlyn Taylor of Lockheed Martin, Air Commodore Rob Caine RAF, Tim James of Ascent Flight Training, Captain Polly Hatchard Royal Navy, and Chloe Barker of �鶹���¼�.

We have been awarded a c£70m contract to deliver new infrastructure facilities as part of a £300m defence contract secured by Ascent Flying Training (Ascent) to deliver the Future ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) and Rear Crew Training System (FIRCTS) programme.

We will manage the build of two state-of-the-art training facilities at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire and RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall that prepare RAF and Navy trainees for the demands of modern worldwide operating environments.

The FIRCTS programme will also provide significant commercial, social and economic value to Cornwall, Lincolnshire and Bristol (Ascent’s headquarters) until 2033. It will increase local employment, creating approximately 68 highly skilled roles and £180m spent in the British supply chain.

Ascent is a joint venture between �鶹���¼� and Lockheed Martin, responsible for delivering the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, said: “This significant investment represents important progress in preparing our Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel for the challenges of modern warfare. 

“Not only will this state-of-the-art training ensure our Armed Forces remain at the forefront of military readiness, but it also delivers on our Plan for Change by creating high-quality jobs and strengthening local economies.”

David Lockwood, Chief Executive Officer, �鶹���¼�, said: “The Ministry of Defence’s military flying training programme is essential to ensuring the UK Armed Forces remain capable and ready for the demands of modern operations.

“We’re pleased to be supporting the FIRCTS programme, further enhancing the UK’s military training needs and infrastructure required to deliver world-class, next generation training for aircrew, while boosting local economies.”

Tim James, Managing Director, Ascent, said: “We are so proud to once again be trusted by our UK MOD customers to deliver this innovative training solution across our operations sites in Cornwall and Lincolnshire, directly benefiting our local communities and delivering a critical capability for the UK Armed Forces.”