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2021-01-03

U.S. Air Force in Europe to Use UK Training Facilities

The U.S. Air Force in Europe (USAFE) recently announced that it will be using the Ministry of Defence (MOD) facilities in the UK, through the Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) with QinetiQ, for F-15E and F-35 5th generation fighter aircraft training for the first time since 2015.

The five year framework contract with QinetiQ, worth up to US$27m, provides USAFE a fully instrumented and safe training location for the F-15E and their flagship defence platform, the F-35 5th generation fighter aircraft, when it is fully deployed in the UK and supported European bases. This contract will provide their front-line forces with the best available environment in which they can fully exercise their equipment and people, offering challenging practice scenarios and unique solutions to meet their overall operational goals.

The programme will reportedly open the door for new weapons to be released in the UK for the first time. It will include air-to-ground weapon launches and air–to-air engagements following various training doctrines against a variety of challenging and realistic surface and airborne targets.

Steve Wadey, Chief Executive at QinetiQ, said: “The award of this contract demonstrates how QinetiQ is enabling international defence forces to benefit from the world-class facilities we have to offer in the UK, by attracting new international customers through the successful modernisation of the UK ranges through the LTPA contract. It also validates our vision to be the chosen partner around the world for mission critical solutions and innovating for our customer’s advantage by meeting the mission and requirements of major military forces globally.”

The training will ensure that the operational readiness of the aircrew and their equipment is maintained at a very high level which enables USAFE goals to be met; together the MOD Aberporth Range and the MOD Hebrides Range are able to facilitate these complex air-to-air and air-to-surface trials requirements and provide state-of-the-art instrumentation, subject matter experts and Combined Aerial Target Services, making the warfighter experience relevant and realistic.

The contract will be utilised by the 48th Fighter Wing from RAF Lakenheath, 31st Fighter Wing from Aviano Air Base in Italy and the 52nd Fighter Wing from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany.

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