- Rotary Wing Enterprise to support UK Apache and Chinook operations
- Supports over 700 Boeing Defence UK jobs across Southern England and Scotland, plus 500+ roles in the UK supply chain
MIDDLE WALLOP, United Kingdom, April 15, 2026 — Boeing Defence UK welcomes the Ministry of Defence’s award of a historic £879 million Rotary Wing Enterprise contract to deliver long‑term maintenance and support for the UK’s Apache and Chinook fleets.
The contract will sustain approximately 700 Boeing Defence UK jobs across Southern England and Scotland, including locations such as Middle Wallop, Odiham, Wattisham, Bristol, Gosport, Yeovil, and Almondbank. Additionally, around 500 jobs will be supported across the UK supply chain, including 300 roles at UK-based partner StandardAero, with plans to increase apprenticeships to as many as 50 over the next three years.
“This contract highlights the UK Government’s commitment to maintaining a world-class rotary wing capability and strengthening the country’s defence industrial base,” said Sir Jeremy Quin, President of Boeing UK & Ireland. “It will help ensure our armed forces remain equipped to meet both current and future operational challenges with confidence and resilience.”
RWE is a comprehensive support service for Joint Helicopter Command. As prime contractor for Chinook and Apache, Boeing aims to enhance the capability and availability of the UK’s rotary wing assets.
“Boeing Defence UK has a proud legacy of delivering sustainment, maintenance, training, and integration services for the UK armed forces,” said Thom Breckenridge, Managing Director of Boeing Defence UK. “We are honored to deepen our support for the UK’s Apache and Chinook fleets through the Rotary Wing Enterprise programme. By consolidating support contracts, Boeing Defence UK will provide a more integrated and efficient service to the Ministry of Defence, enhancing platform readiness and sustaining over 700 highly skilled jobs.”
“From the workshop to the frontline, this investment delivers for our military, for the British people and the British defence industry," said Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP. "Our workhorse Chinooks and lethal Apaches help keep our Armed Forces safe and operating effectively while on deployment.
“This contract shows how we’re ensuring our Armed Forces have the kit and equipment they need to keep Britain safe.
“We are investing record levels into defence, meaning no return to the hollowed out and underfunded Armed Forces of the past, while making defence an engine for growth.”
The contract covers ongoing aircraft support, maintenance, supply chain management, training, and integration services, ensuring the UK’s rotary fleets remain mission-ready.
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About Boeing Defence UK
Boeing Defence UK is Boeing’s onshore defence business committed to supporting the United Kingdom’s armed forces. Employing approximately 2,100 people across 18 key sites, Boeing Defence UK delivers sustainment, maintenance, training, and integration services for vital military platforms including the Apache and Chinook helicopters, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and the future E-7 Wedgetail fleet.
Beyond platform support, Boeing Defence UK drives military capability through the development of UK-based expertise, advanced technology, and intellectual property, including digital programmes such as Gladiator and MOD Information Services. In close partnership with the Ministry of Defence and an extensive network of UK suppliers, Boeing Defence UK plays a crucial role in strengthening national security, creating skilled jobs, and fostering innovation within the defence industrial base. For more information, visit www.boeing.co.uk or follow us on X @BoeingUK.