The
Ministry of Defence has signed a military
flying training Private Finance Initiative contract that could
cost up to £6bn.
The MOD says navy, RAF and army flying training "will be
completely transformed", thanks to the contract with Ascent, a
joint venture of Lockheed Martin and VT Group.
The initial contract is for £635m, but this could rise to an
estimated £6bn over the 25-year life of the programme.
Minister for defence equipment and support Baroness Taylor,
said, "The partnering contract with Ascent brings together MoD and
industry skills to deliver a first class flying training
capability.
"It will significantly improve training for Royal Navy, Royal
Air Force and army aircrew by bringing together the current range
of fragmented training schemes into one modern and cohesive
programme."
Ascent will work with the MoD to deliver the UK Military Flight
Training System, designing, delivering and managing flying training
across multiple locations in the UK.
The UKMFTS programme will cover training for jet pilots and
weapons systems operators, through to helicopter and multi-engine
pilots to rear crew personnel.
It will encompass all flying training for students following
selection, up to the point when they are ready to fly operational
aircraft such as the Typhoon, Chinook and C17.