In collaboration with local suppliers and teammates across the globe, our defence workforce of more than 2,100 people in the United Kingdom works together to solve current and emerging defence and security challenges in partnership with the Ministry of Defence.
Boeing’s partnership with the UK started before World War II and continues to this day. Through its Boeing Defence UK (BDUK) business, which includes veterans and reserves, BDUK focuses on providing the best value through leading-edge platforms, technology, services and capabilities. Boeing Defence UK is headed by Steve Burnell, Managing Director.
Boeing military rotorcraft in the UK
AH-64E Apache
Boeing is on contract to deliver 50 AH-64E Apaches to the British Army and will provide training, support and sustainment for the next two decades.
More than 200 jobs will be created at Wattisham and Middle Wallop, where Boeing employees work alongside the British Army.
The UK supply chain supports the Apache program with:
- Yeovil-based Kuene & Nagel providing warehouse management services.
- H&S Aviation conducting AH-64E engine repair and overhaul in Portsmouth, under subcontract to GE Aviation.
- Cheltenham-based Pennant providing simulated training systems.
CH-47 Chinook
In its fifth decade serving the British armed forces, the Chinook plays a unique role in the country’s heavy-lift capability.
More than 450 people across the UK maintain, modify and upgrade the RAF’s fleet of 57 Chinooks.
Boeing teammates are based in locations across Hampshire and embedded alongside their military counterparts at RAF Odiham.
In addition, UK-based suppliers Leonardo, Thales, Standard Aero and Almondbank provide materials, skills and services.
Boeing military fixed-wing and surveillance aircraft in the UK
C-17 Globemaster
The Boeing-built C-17 acts as the backbone of the UK’s strategic airlift and mobility capability.
Thanks to the RAF and Boeing partnership, the UK’s C-17 fleet is positioned to serve until 2040.
More than 100 Boeing employees and apprentices work alongside the RAF, supporting every aspect of the C-17 mission.
- At its C-17 International Training Centre in Farnborough, Boeing provides almost 600 pilot, loadmaster and engineering courses every year to both UK and international customers.
- Boeing employees and apprentices are embedded at RAF Brize Norton, the home base for the UK’s fleet of eight C-17s, providing sustainment and support, contributing to the fleet’s overall mission readiness and preparedness.
E-7 Wedgetail
Three Boeing 737s on British soil, currently undergoing modification at STS Aviation in Birmingham, are set to become the RAF’s future Airborne Early Warning and Control fleet. These aircraft will become central assets in the RAF’s future ISTAR Force, providing unmatched, combat-proven capability.
- Around 100 highly skilled jobs have been created to support the world’s only E-7 modification line, and many local suppliers are contributing to the programme.
- Construction partner McLaughlin & Harvey are building new facilities at RAF Lossiemouth to support the E-7 Wedgetail’s introduction into service.
- Leonardo and Thales UK will develop the aircraft’s defensive aids systems, giving the fleet UK-designed-and-built technology.
P-8A Poseidon
The UK’s nine P-8A Poseidon aircraft provide increased protection of the UK’s seas and borders with unmatched anti-submarine, anti-surface, maritime patrol, and search and rescue capabilities.
The fleet is housed in the Atlantic Building at RAF Lossiemouth, a £100 million joint investment by Boeing and the Ministry of Defence, where more than 200 Boeing employees provide maintenance, training and support. In addition, 127 UK-based suppliers support the global fleet, helping produce components for P-8s around the world.
Digital Programmes
Gladiator
Boeing provides the Gladiator Core Systems and & Services capability for the Royal Air Force, allowing users to undertake realistic cross-domain training for air, land and maritime forces in a safe, secure and resilient synthetic environment.
This newly developed sovereign capability has created over 50 highly skilled jobs in the UK, with more than half based at RAF Waddington where the equipment has been installed.
MOD Information Services
For over a decade, Boeing has provided 24/7/365 logistics and engineering information systems to ensure UK forces can deploy, sustain and recover at pace. This capability is a fundamental enabler for the UK Ministry of Defence’s ability to conduct strategic operations; covering airports, seaports, warehouses, mounting centres and the services running through them.
Boeing has achieved continual improvement and innovation through modernisation of its application ecosystem, supported by a range of defence and technology partners. This programme continues to employ over 300 digitally-skilled people across the UK.
Digital Support to Boeing platforms
Boeing continues to invest and develop digital capability in support of Boeing’s future defence programmes, including the development of a Next Generation Product Support analytics capability and the implementation of model-based engineering.
Innovating for the future
Boeing’s partnership with the UK has helped create a brighter, safer and more sustainable future. Leveraging our decades of experience as a major systems integrator, we are constantly exploring how technology and innovation can support the future of UK defence and security services. From mission-critical MOD Information Services to next-generation in-flight digital tools, autonomous systems, and modelling and simulation, we are ready to combine our British roots and unmatched expertise with the breadth and depth of Boeing to build upon these achievements.