Ascent will train pilots to fly a range of operational aircraft, such as the Chinook helicopter. Crown copyright.

After years of delays, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed the first phase of a 25-year contract which will see Navy, RAF and Army pilot training transferred to the private sector.

Ascent – a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and VT Group – signed the MoD contract this week (2 June). The first stage is worth £635 million, whilst the entire deal is valued at around £6 billion.

Under the deal, Ascent will work with the MoD to deliver the UK Military Flight Training System (UKMFTS).

The programme will cover all flying services, ranging from fast-jet pilots and weapons systems operators, through to helicopter, multi-engine pilots and rear crew personnel. Pilots will be trained to fly a range of operational aircraft, such as Typhoon, Chinook and C17.

The initial stage of the agreement will see the delivery of Fast Jet Pilot training at RAF Valley in Wales, UK, using the HAWK 128 aircraft. Ascent will provide the training infrastructure at the site, including classrooms, simulators and aircraft hangars.

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.”

The MoD said that by working with Ascent it can cut costs, improve overall training times for aircrew and reduce delays between flying courses.

By Natasha Piscitelli