More than 1,200 jobs will be supported by a £1.5 billion contract DE&S has awarded to QinetiQ for the continued provision and modernisation of mission-critical Test, Trials, Training and Evaluation (T3E) services.

The five-year contract is an extension of the existing Long-Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) with QinetiQ, which is responsible for the operation of 16 Ministry of Defence land, sea and air ranges and test facilities, as well as providing specialist technical expertise and support services.

Work delivered through the contract ensures the capability used by UK Armed Forces delivers the performance required for successful missions and operations around the globe.

LTPA services include weapons testing, delivering live-threat scenarios, test pilot training and maritime testing and calibration.

Richard Murray, Director of Lethality and Protect at DE&S, said:

“In the face of ever-evolving global threats, this contract is a crucial element of ensuring our armed forces maintain the edge to protect our nation and allies.

“It reinforces our commitment to innovation that is informed by robust testing and evaluation, while sustaining 1,200-plus jobs across the UK, and providing upskilling opportunities for those working to support the frontline.”

To keep pace with operational needs and the evolution of defence technology, QinetiQ and MOD will invest in the extension to evolve and modernise the UK’s T3E capabilities so that they remain resilient and relevant.

Digitalisation will increase the pace at which new concepts and solutions are tested and then delivered into service. QinetiQ and the MOD have committed to improve access for agile and innovative small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to use the LTPA’s services.

The jobs being sustained up to 2033 include more than 200 in Scotland and 200 in Wales. Jobs at larger sites in England include 400 at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire and 200 at Shoeburyness in Essex.

The contract also supports a supply chain of more than 825 companies across the UK, 590 of which are SMEs.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

“Rigorously tested equipment and the trialling of emerging technologies are key to ensuring our armed forces 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.”

Around 30 early careers professionals will be supported by the contract and development opportunities will be available through a range of courses.

These include digital training in modelling and simulation for engineers, and a newly launched Test and Evaluation Foundations programme designed to equip managers with the skills to safely deliver T3E of cutting-edge military capabilities.

Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer at QinetiQ, said:

“The extension of our partnership with MOD enables us to continue investing to deliver the transformational change in test and evaluation that’s required to ensure our armed forces have operational advantage over disruptive technologies.”

This month, QinetiQ hosted Formidable Shield, a NATO joint strike exercise, at the MOD Hebrides range in Scotland.

Other examples of LTPA in action include the first launch of a ballistic rocket into space from the UK, the UK’s first firing of a high-power laser directed energy weapon against aerial targets and Europe’s first successful demonstration of teaming a piloted aircraft with an autonomous air vehicle.