Rolls-Royce has secured a significant five-year contract with the UK government, focusing on the maintenance and servicing of the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Typhoon aircraft. This contract will see the establishment of the Typhoon Engine Support Solution (TESS), a dedicated team responsible for maintaining and repairing the Typhoon jets’ EJ200 engines.
Approximately 130 engines are set to be serviced at Rolls-Royce’s UK Defence headquarters located in Bristol. The project is expected to provide substantial economic support, with an estimated 200 direct jobs created and a further 2,400 jobs across the UK linked through the project’s supply chain. This initiative not only aims to bolster job creation but also seeks to preserve essential skills necessary for enhancing the air force’s capabilities, paving the way for future projects such as the Global Combat Air Programme.
Adam Riddle, the President of Rolls-Royce Defence, emphasized the significance of this contract, highlighting over a century of collaboration and trust between Rolls-Royce and the Ministry of Defence. He noted that the Typhoon Engine Support Solution is a continuation of the company’s commitment to supporting the EJ200 engine, expressing gratitude for the ongoing confidence in their team’s abilities.
The partnership between the UK and Rolls-Royce has a rich history, featuring involvement in various military programs aimed at upgrading existing capabilities and developing new equipment. In January, Rolls-Royce made headlines by signing an $11 billion deal to provide nuclear reactors for the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet, a contract anticipated to create over 1,000 jobs and safeguard an additional 4,000 positions.
Furthermore, Rolls-Royce’s Mission Bay Handling System (MBHS) was selected in 2024 for incorporation into the Royal Navy’s Type 26 City-class frigates. This innovative system will facilitate the movement of containerized mission modules onboard the ships, allowing operations to proceed without reliance on dockside cranes.
Overall, the recent contract highlights Rolls-Royce’s ongoing commitment to supporting the UK’s defense capabilities while contributing to job growth and skills retention in the aerospace and defense sectors.
