The contract is expected to support around 700 jobs within Boeing Defence UK across southern England and Scotland. It will also sustain more than 500 roles in the UK supply chain, including positions with partner companies such as StandardAero.
Sir Jeremy Quin, President of Boeing UK & Ireland, said, “This contract highlights the UK Government’s commitment to maintaining a world-class rotary wing capability and strengthening the country’s defence industrial base.” He added, “It will help ensure our armed forces remain equipped to meet both current and future operational challenges with confidence and resilience.”
The Rotary Wing Enterprise programme provides comprehensive support to the UK’s Joint Helicopter Command. Boeing, acting as prime contractor for both Chinook and Apache platforms, aims to enhance aircraft availability and operational capability.
Thom Breckenridge, Managing Director of Boeing Defence UK, said, “Boeing Defence UK has a proud legacy of delivering sustainment, maintenance, training, and integration services for the UK armed forces.” He added, “We are honored to deepen our support for the UK’s Apache and Chinook fleets through the Rotary Wing Enterprise programme. By consolidating support contracts, Boeing Defence UK will provide a more integrated and efficient service to the Ministry of Defence, enhancing platform readiness and sustaining over 700 highly skilled jobs.”
The UK government said the contract supports both military readiness and industrial growth. Luke Pollard said, “From the workshop to the frontline, this investment delivers for our military, for the British people and the British defence industry,” and added, “Our workhorse Chinooks and lethal Apaches help keep our Armed Forces safe and operating effectively while on deployment.”
Pollard added, “This contract shows how we’re ensuring our Armed Forces have the kit and equipment they need to keep Britain safe.” He said, “We are investing record levels into defence, meaning no return to the hollowed out and underfunded Armed Forces of the past, while making defence an engine for growth.”
The agreement includes aircraft support, maintenance, supply chain management, training and integration services. Boeing said the programme is intended to ensure the continued readiness of the UK’s rotary wing fleet.
