NP Aerospace wins MoD Army vehicle support contract
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a contract worth more than £60 million to Coventry headquartered company NP Aerospace, to maintain the Armys cutting-edge fleet of armoured vehicles. Right:
Defence Minister Stuart Andrew meeting service personnel at Jellalabad barracks, Tidworth, in front of a Mastiff armoured vehicle.
Courtesy MoD
These vehicles offer soldiers, medics and other Army personnel protection from mine and ballistic threats as they navigate rough terrains on the battlefield.
NP Aerospace has secured the £63 million contract for the upkeep, update and upgrade of more than 2,200 protected mobility vehicles based in the UK and on operations.
The contract will support approximately 100 jobs in Coventry and 250 jobs across the UK supply chain until 2024. A further 50 jobs will be created at NP Aerospace’s HQ in Foleshill.
Above:
The MoD’s fleet of 2,200 Protected Mobility Vehicles covered under the PMETS (Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support) contract until 2024, include the Mastiff, Wolfhound, Ridgeback, Buffalo, Choker, RODET, Foxhound, Jackal, Coyote and Husky.
Courtesy NP Aerospace
Defence Minister Stuart Andrew said: "Armoured vehicles save lives on the battlefield and this contract will ensure they are repaired, upgraded and returned to the frontline as quickly as possible.
"This vital contract demonstrates how the MoD benefits every region of the UK by providing hundreds of skilled jobs and multi-million-pound investment to the West Midlands."
As an example, under this contract, a request could be made by Army personnel in Afghanistan to fit a new loudspeaker to a Foxhound patrol vehicle. NP Aerospace will rapidly design, procure and fit the equipment, as well as providing technical advice throughout the contract period.
Other protected mobility vehicles to benefit from the contract include Mastiff, Wolfhound, Ridgeback, RODET, Jackal, Coyote and Husky vehicles, all of which are currently being used by the British Army for either training or operations in the UK and overseas.
Director Land Equipment for DE&S Major General Colin McClean said: "The Protected Mobility fleet has been hugely important for defence over the last 15 years, saving numerous lives on operations. It is vital that we continue to invest in our battle-winning capabilities, ensuring that they are always ready for training or operational purposes.
"Given its significant role now and in the future, I am pleased we are partnering with NP Aerospace to deliver this contract.”
James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace, commented: “The UK MoD is a key partner for NP Aerospace. Winning the Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support contract demonstrates our commitment to delivering world class armour technology and vehicle integration to protect the British Armed Forces. It puts us at the forefront of strategic delivery within the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Vehicle Systems.”
Above:
(left to right) Brigadier Anna-Lee Reilly, Head Vehicle Support Team, DE&S (Defence Equipment & Support), James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace and Major General Colin McClean, Director Land Equipment, DE&S.
Courtesy NP Aerospace
The MoD invested £622 million with industry in the West Midlands in 2017/18, sustaining 4,900 jobs across the region.