Hundreds of Gosport jobs secured working on "best in the world" Apache and Chinook helicopters in £879m deal
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The multi-million pound contract is considered a “vote of confidence” for workers in Gosport
Vital work maintaining advanced helicopters considered “the best in the world” has been secured for Gosport in a multi-million pound mega deal.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has penned a three-year £879m contract with Boeing to oversee Apache and Chinook helicopters. A total of 150 jobs will be supported at the Fareham Road site, alongside 300 supply chain roles at StandardAero in Fleetlands.
Speaking at the Army Aviation Centre in Stocksbridge, minister for defence readiness and industry Luke Pollard said this was a big deal for Boeing and the nation. He told The News: “It will keep the iconic Apache and Chinook helicopters flying for many years to come, and supports hundreds of jobs. To see the latest generation attack helicopter, the best in the world, being flown by British forces is an enormous source of pride for me.”
The Labour politician added: “From the workshop to the frontline, this investment delivers for our military, for the British people and the British defence industry. Our workhorse Chinooks and lethal Apaches help keep our Armed Forces safe and operating effectively while on deployment.”
Taxpayer boost
The contract brings together support for both fleets under a single arrangement – the Rotary Wing Enterprise – for the first time. It’s hoped the agreement will improve how the aircraft are maintained and reduce duplication.
Mr Pollard said the new contract is more efficient and delivers better value for money for the taxpayer, while providing extra opportunities for apprentices. “In the past, we had separate maintenance contracts for the different helicopter types,” he added. “Now, we have one single workforce working across these two platforms.
“We can invest in skills more and we can support these capabilities in a more efficient way, by investing in facilities and our people. It’s a sign of the type of change we need to make in our defence contracts, putting more of our rising defence budget in the hands of British-based firms.
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“We’re putting a greater focus on increasing availability and lethality in our armed forces. Everyone can see the world is getting more dangerous. We’re responding to that by increasing defence spending and retiring old gear, and giving our forces the latest kit and equipment.”
Gosport in the spotlight
Alongside the Boeing roles in Gosport, jobs will be supported in Middle Wallop, Wattisham, Odiham, Bristol, and Yeovil. The contract is expected to reinforce a 500 high-skilled jobs in the supply chain as a whole.
Mr Pollard said the deal was a “vote of confidence” in StandardAero’s ability to support the armed forces as they move to warfighting readiness. “There is some amazing work being done by people in support of these helicopters,” he added. “I don’t think people in the supply chain get the thanks they deserve for the work they do.
“We would not be able to fly these helicopters without the dedication and professionalism of the people in uniform, and the civilians who support them.”
Boeing will provide maintenance, technical services, logistical support and training for both fleets. UK and Ireland president Sir Jeremy Quin said: “This contract highlights the UK Government’s commitment to maintaining a world-class rotary wing capability and strengthening the country’s defence industrial base. It will help ensure our armed forces remain equipped to meet both current and future operational challenges with confidence and resilience.”
This is second high-profile agreement to be announced for Gosport. UK Docks Marine Services won three deals worth £84m to maintain 194 vessels in the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and Ministry of Defence Police. Many businesses are still holding their breath for the defence investment plan, which is set to outline the financial backing for major defence reforms in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR).
Delayed since the autumn of last year, this could now lapse until the summer. SDR review Lord Robertson, a former defence secretary, accused the Treasury of “vandalism” for not allowing the level funding needed to support the recommendations in full.
Speaking about the Boeing deal, Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage, Conservative, said: “This announcement is a welcome injection to defence businesses in Gosport like StandardAero who have been waiting for the Government to publish it's Defence Investment Plan.”
The Apache gives the Army its crewed attack capability, while the Chinook supports multi-service operations as the RAF’s primary heavy-lift aircraft. Combined, they are essential for the armed forces’ battle effectiveness.
The Apache AH-64E helicopter is considered by many to be the world’s most advanced attack helicopter. Its radar can passively geolocate threats without giving away the aircraft’s position. Pilots can use the aircraft to detect more than 1,000 targets, classify 256, and prioritise the top 16 in seconds.
Chinook helicopters are designed to operate in diverse environments, from the Arctic to vast deserts. It’s primarily used to transport troops, evacuate casualties, and conduct resupply operations. Up to 55 troops and 10 tonnes of cargo can be carried at once.