UK government extends £1.5 billion defence agreement

The UK government have confirmed a £1.5 billion contract extension with British defence QinetiQ, which will provide test, trial, training and evaluation of defence equipment at 16 Ministry of Defence (MoD) sites, including missile firings and test pilot training.

This Long-Term Partnering Agreement will sustain 1,200 UK jobs, including more than 400 in Scotland and Wales, as well as an extensive supply chain of 825 companies, 590 being small-to-medium enterprises.

This contract ensures that the UK Armed Forces equipment remains combat-ready, and is able to support the delivery of future projects, such as the Global Combat Air Programme’s next-generation combat aircraft.

The agreement will see QinetiQ modernising the UK’s equipment testing capabilities to keep pace with operational needs, as well as supporting the 30 early careers professionals through opportunities like digital training in modelling and simulation for engineers.

Early this month, QinetiQ hosted Formidable Shield, a NATO joint strike exercise, at the Hebrides range in Scotland, which is one of the 16 MoD sites managed under the Long-Term Partnering Agreement, first signed in 2003.

Defence secretary John Healey MP said: “Rigorously tested equipment and the trialling of emerging technologies are key to ensuring our Armed Forced are using combat-ready capabilities on the frontline.

“The contract will help keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad, as we drive forward innovation to bolster our national security and support skilled jobs across the UK.

“With hundreds of British businesses supported by this investment through QinetiQ’s supply chain, we are demonstrating how defence is an engine for growth across the UK, and delivering on our Plan for Change.”