RAF Brize Norton has welcomed the signing of a £190 million extension to the A400M Medium-Term Contract (MTC), securing critical in-service support for the RAF's Atlas fleet through to April 2029 and sustaining more than 350 highly-skilled UK jobs across the UK.
Delivered through Airbus' UK Support Centre at RAF Brize Norton, the agreement ensures the continued maintenance, repair and support of one of the RAF's most important operational capabilities, enabling the A400M Atlas to continue delivering everything from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to global force projection, troop transport and NATO commitments.
However, this event marks far more than the signing of a contract amendment.
The MTC Extension represents a significant success story for Defence, following an intensive programme of negotiations led by a small team from the A400M In-Service Support Delivery Team within the NAD Group at RAF Brize Norton. Working collaboratively with colleagues from across Defence, the Royal Air Force, industry partners and Airbus, the team negotiated a landmark agreement that delivered considerable savings for Defence while simultaneously expanding the support available to the Atlas fleet.
Beyond the commercial and operational benefits, the agreement further strengthens the enduring partnership between Defence and Airbus. The collaborative approach taken throughout the negotiations demonstrated a shared commitment to delivering the best possible outcome for the Armed Forces and the taxpayer, reinforcing a trusted relationship that will continue to drive capability growth, innovation and operational success across the A400M programme for years to come.
The contract secures a broader and more capable support package than previously available, introducing a range of enhanced services and support arrangements designed to improve fleet supportability, resilience and operational performance. These improvements are expected to increase the number of fully mission-capable aircraft available each day from 10 to 13 by the end of 2027, representing a 30% increase in aircraft availability and providing commanders with more aircraft, more often, to meet global operational demands
The outcome demonstrates what can be achieved through effective partnership, robust commercial negotiation and a shared commitment to operational excellence. By delivering enhanced capability at a reduced overall cost, the agreement provides outstanding value for money for the taxpayer whilst strengthening support for a fleet that sits at the heart of the United Kingdom's air mobility capability.
"Agreeing this extension with Airbus after just eight weeks of intense negotiations shows what can be achieved when MOD and industry work closely together towards a shared goal. This contract will deliver continued improvements in A400M fleet availability, building on the growth that we have delivered over recent years and giving our Armed Forces the capability they need while offering excellent value for money to taxpayers, supporting a platform that is at the heart of the RAF's operations now and into the future."
Air Commodore Si Young,
Head Air Mobility NAD Group
The agreement reflects an outstanding collaborative effort between Defence, the RAF and Airbus personnel, demonstrating how military, civil service and industry teams can work together to deliver tangible benefits for operational capability and the taxpayer alike.
As the home of the RAF's Air Mobility Force and Airbus' UK A400M Support Centre, RAF Brize Norton remains at the forefront of delivering global reach for Defence. This agreement highlights the vital contribution of the military, civilian and industry personnel who work together every day to ensure the Atlas fleet remains available, capable and ready to support Defence's global commitments.
