QinetiQ wins contract for managing UK MOD air weapons training activity

Defence Estates (DE) has awarded QinetiQ a contract to manage the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) air weapons training activity in the UK over the next three years. The contract, worth over £5 million, includes an option to extend the arrangement by up to two years. The new deal comes into effect in April 2010 and covers the Defence Training Estate (DTE) Air Weapons Ranges (AWRs) at RAF Tain on the Moray Firth in Scotland, RAF Donna Nook and RAF Holbeach on The Wash, and RAF Pembrey in South Wales as well as the Cape Wrath Bombardment Range on the Scottish West Coast. QinetiQ will provide a variety of services including IT support, operation of communications systems and the installation, maintenance and replacement of targets. The MOD will also draw on QinetiQ’s expertise in munitions as the new contract includes a requirement for the safe disposal of unexploded ordnance. Colonel Mark Waring, DTE Commander said:. "It is the Defence Training Estate mission to provide the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and the Army with safe and suitable facilities that prepare our people for the Operational environment. Currently, our Air Weapons Ranges are playing a crucial role in preparing aircrews for deployment to Afghanistan. "The ranges enable personnel from all three Services to undertake equipment and weapons trials and training exercises - vital for saving lives on the front line". Mike Howarth, MD QinetiQ Managed Services, said: "We are delighted to be extending our successful relationship with the MOD and look forward to providing an excellent service to our armed forces. "These ranges do a vital job and have been used as training grounds for fast jet pilots and helicopter crews prior to deployment to every major military operation over the past 20 years". Under the contract the UK military will benefit from QinetiQ’s experience in the efficient management and safe operation of 18 test and evaluation facilities which the company operates across the UK under the Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) with the MOD.