Image: DE&S
The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has awarded Boeing Defence UK an £879 million, three-year contract to deliver integrated in-service support for the British Army’s AH-64E Apache and the RAF’s Chinook HC helicopter fleets, sustaining more than 1,200 jobs across the UK.
A Single Framework for Two Critical Fleets
The deal, placed under the newly established Rotary Wing Enterprise (RWE) framework, consolidates previously separate support arrangements for both aircraft types into a single contract structure. Officials say the move will improve operational coherence, reduce duplication and deliver better value for the taxpayer.
Boeing Defence UK will provide maintenance, technical services, logistical support and training for aircrew, ground crew and maintainers across both platforms. The Apache provides the British Army’s primary crewed attack capability. The Chinook serves as the RAF’s heavy-lift helicopter, supporting multi-service operations at home and on deployment.
Over 1,200 Jobs Secured Across the UK
More than 700 direct roles within Boeing Defence UK will be sustained across sites at Middle Wallop, Wattisham, Odiham, Bristol, Gosport, Yeovil and Almondbank. A further 500 supply chain positions are supported under the arrangement, including 300 roles at UK-based maintenance, repair and overhaul specialist StandardAero. Boeing has also committed to increasing apprenticeships to as many as 50 over the three-year term.
Industry and Military Leaders Welcome the Award
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said the contract demonstrated how defence investment could deliver for both the armed forces and British industry. “Our workhorse Chinooks and lethal Apaches help keep our Armed Forces safe and operating effectively while on deployment,” he said. “This contract shows how we are ensuring our Armed Forces have the kit and equipment they need to keep Britain safe.”
Air Commodore Gareth Bryant, former Head Helicopters 2 at the NAD Group, described the award as a significant milestone. Bringing the two support programmes under a single coherent arrangement, he said, would strengthen sustainment of both fleets and was good news for the highly skilled workforce that supports them.
Sir Jeremy Quin, President of Boeing UK and Ireland, said the contract highlighted the UK Government’s commitment to maintaining a world-class rotary wing capability and strengthening the country’s defence industrial base.
Wider Strategic and Economic Significance
The contract aligns with the Government’s Strategic Defence Review, which prioritises sovereign capability and long-term investment in the armed forces, and with its Plan for Change, which identifies defence as a key driver of economic growth. It also supports the Government’s ambition to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.
Boeing Defence UK has been a long-standing partner in supporting the UK’s rotary wing fleet. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the extension builds on that established relationship while deepening integration across the wider supply chain.
Source: DE&S Press Release
