The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) agency has awarded Rolls-Royce a GBP 563 million contract for the continued maintenance and repair of EJ200 engines for Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft.
Known as the Typhoon Engine Support Solution (TESS), the contract will span five years and is set to sustain around 200 direct jobs, primarily located in Bristol.
This contract aims to enhance resilience within the UK supply chain, potentially supporting up to 2,400 jobs crucial for leveraging the UK’s combat air proficiency. TESS will preserve essential skills necessary for the RAF to maintain current air capabilities while also facilitating the transition to future initiatives such as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
The Typhoon Delivery Team represents the largest group within DE&S, comprising civilians, military personnel, and contractors. This team is tasked with supporting the Typhoon and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight during their operational phases, as well as implementing a range of upgrade programmes over the next decade to ensure that the UK’s 130 Typhoons remain operationally capable.
Since its introduction in 2003, the RAF Typhoon has served as the cornerstone of the United Kingdom’s combat air defence and is capable of executing a wide range of air operations, including air policing, peacekeeping missions, and high-intensity warfare. It is an essential component of the UK’s Quick Reaction Alert Fleet, tasked with safeguarding the airspace over the UK and the Falkland Islands. The aircraft are mainly stationed at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby, as well as in the Falklands as part of the Quick Reaction Force.
Lyndon Hoyle, Typhoon Delivery Team Head at DE&S, said: “We are pleased to award this long-term contract to Rolls-Royce for the continued maintenance and repair of Typhoon EJ200 engines, a commitment that supports around 200 skilled jobs in the UK. This contract not only ensures the continued availability of the Typhoon fleet, it helps drives growth and prosperity within UK Defence, reinforcing our dedication to procuring capability that equips our armed forces with competitive edge now and in the future.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Not only will this contract help to maintain our world-class jets, it also delivers on our Plan for Change by securing around 200 jobs in the UK and boosting the skills base our world-leading defence industry relies upon.
“Together with our upgrade programme, this contract will ensure our Typhoon fleet remains the backbone of UK air defence for the next decade.”
Alex Zino, Head of Global Network and Director of Business Development and Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce, said: “The Typhoon Engine Support Solution represents a continuation of our support of the EJ200 engine – something we have been committed to for over two decades. The Royal Air Force’s Typhoon fleet is crucial in maintaining the UK’s combat air capability and defending our interests at home and abroad and we are proud to serve our UK armed forces customer and help keep this aircraft flying for years to come.”
