In a move that will see industry work together on the development of the UK’s air-launched weapons, known as Complex Weapons, the Defence Secretary announced that the MOD has entered into an interim Partnering Agreement with MBDA in the UK.

Building on the successful Assessment Phase, this co-operation within industry will help shorten the time from development to delivery of these weapons.

The MOD has also signed a £120 million contract with BAE Systems to maintain the UK’s Hawk T Mk2 aircraft, known as the Advanced Jet Trainer, an aircraft essential for providing the modern training of fast jet pilots.

Progress is also being made towards the delivery of 22 new Chinook helicopters and the MOD has signed a contract with Boeing to begin the work necessary to deliver the first ten aircraft in 2012 and 2013.

Over the last 30 years, the Chinook has proved invaluable to commanders, most recently during operations in Afghanistan.

The MOD has also moved a step closer to its next generation of military transport aircraft, the A400M. Following discussions between Partner Nations and Airbus Military, an agreement in principle has been reached to pave the way for the next stage of the programme.

The A400M Partner Nations have reached a Heads of Terms agreement with Airbus Military, which will provide the basis for a formal contract amendment in the coming months.

Under the revised agreement, Airbus Military will deliver at least 22 aircraft.

The successful first flight of the A400M prototype aircraft on 11 December 2009 was an important milestone in this process.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said:

“These commitments will enable the Royal Air Force to continue to provide essential airpower on operations. These projects demonstrate the MOD’s commitment to providing our Armed Forces with world class equipment and support, as well as to sustaining the UK’s defence industry. I am greatly encouraged by the progress made on the A400M programme.”

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of the Air Staff, said:

“The commitments being announced today are good news for the Royal Air Force. The RAF’s air transport fleet is essential in supporting operations anywhere in the world, and the airlift capability offered by the A400M will allow us to move large items of essential military equipment – including attack helicopters and heavy vehicles such as Mastiff – directly into the battlezone.

“The Chinook helicopters have proven highly effective during operations over the last 30 years, just as they are in Afghanistan today. This contract will allow them to continue to provide battle winning air power on the front line, whilst the contract for the Hawk T Mk 2 will enable us to support the aircraft training future fast jet pilots for the Royal Air Force.”