UK Defence Training Expands with New Contract
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Ascent Flight Training has been awarded a £300 million contract to expand training at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose and RAF Cranwell, enhancing UK defence capabilities. The Future ISTAR and Rear Crew Training System (FIRCTS) programme will increase mission aircrew trainees to 140 annually for the Royal Navy and RAF.
FIRCTS delivers updated training through the UK Military Flying Training System, addressing growing ISTAR and UAS requirements. The programme includes new operational buildings at Culdrose and Cranwell, courseware developed at Ascent’s Bristol site, and high-fidelity simulators provided by Lockheed Martin.
Draken supports the upgraded Textron King Air 350E Avenger aircraft fleet. FIRCTS aims to create around 68 full-time equivalent local jobs and contribute approximately £19.5 million in local economic value by 2033. Training will combine e-learning, simulators, and live airborne events, with first trainees expected to use the system in 2027.
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