RAF Typhoon aircraft will continue to receive mission-critical specialist technical support following a £205 million contract extension awarded to QinetiQ. This includes support to the Typhoon capability development and integration programme; rapid response to emergent issues relating to UK operational commitments; and safeguarding compliance with regulatory policy. 

The five-year Engineering Delivery Partnership (EDP) agreement, awarded by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), ensures Typhoon jets remain safe, airworthy and able to react quickly to the changing world situation in order to protect UK airspace and support NATO allies. 

The contract supports 250 jobs across the UK, including six Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and highly skilled jobs at QinetiQ, MOD and RAF sites in Farnborough, MOD Boscombe Down, Malvern, Lincoln, Bristol, RAF Coningsby, and Warton. Together they will deliver the technical expertise needed to keep the fleet operational and to further develop it to meet future needs. 

Typhoon is the RAF’s primary combat aircraft. These fast jets protect UK skies around the clock through Quick Reaction Alert duties, intercepting unidentified aircraft approaching British airspace. The aircraft also deploy on operations worldwide. Typhoons have supported NATO missions in Eastern Europe and conducted strike operations in the Middle East. 

The contract provides technical, airworthiness and safety expertise and support to capability enhancement. This support is essential for maintaining and developing aircraft that travel at twice the speed of sound and operate in demanding conditions. QinetiQ has delivered technical and engineering support to Typhoon since the inception of the programme and the proven delivery model under EDP continues to represent value for money whilst meeting the RAF’s operational requirements.

Lyndon Hoyle, DE&S Typhoon Team Leader, said:

“This contract ensures our Typhoon fleet continues to receive the expert technical support it needs to remain safe and ready for missions. Working alongside DE&S and RAF colleagues, QinetiQ’s team has delivered outstanding technical, airworthiness and safety expertise over many years, and this extension allows us to build on that proven partnership. Their work is essential to keeping these aircraft safe and capable, whether protecting UK airspace or supporting operations worldwide alongside our allies.”

The Typhoon fleet remains central to UK and NATO defence. This contract ensures the aircraft will continue protecting British skies and supporting allies for years to come.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said:

“Our Typhoon fighter fleet is crucial in how we keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad, deploying across the world in support of our allies. Through our continued investment in the Typhoon programme and last year’s £8 billion Typhoon export deal with Türkiye, we are showing how defence is an engine for growth supporting prosperity across the country.”

This agreement will be delivered by the recently strengthened QinetiQ-led Aurora Engineering Delivery Partnership (EDP), through which QinetiQ, Atkins, BMT, Frazer-Nash, KBR and over 380 companies provide the MOD with high-value technical and engineering services to support critical defence programmes.

Air Cdr Nick Lowe, RAF Head Capability Delivery Combat Air and Typhoon Senior Responsible Officer, said: 

“The extension of this contract underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the Typhoon fighter jet remains at the forefront of operational capability, safety, and technical excellence. This agreement is vital to maintaining the Typhoon’s critical role in safeguarding our national security and support to NATO. By continuing this partnership, we are ensuring that our warfighters have the reliable, cutting-edge tools they need to succeed in their missions, both now and in the future.” 

Through the contract, QinetiQ will also invest into new digital and AI technologies and methods, increasing the pace of delivery, aligning to the vision of the government’s Strategic Defence Review and Defence Reform agenda, and accelerating outputs for UK defence.

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

“This contract is a testament to our commitment to the government’s defence as an engine for growth agenda. We’re backing UK businesses, modernising how we deliver and ensuring the operational readiness of our armed forces.

“Working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, we are investing in cutting-edge technology that increases our productivity and elevates our vital expertise, meaning we can get mission critical capability into the hands of our warfighters at pace and reduced cost.”

The EDP sustains more than 3,000 highly skilled jobs across the UK and over 290 of the companies in the Partnership are SMEs. Primarily used by DE&S, EDP also places contracts with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and other members of the National Armaments Director Group.