UK MoD orders two Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft to be upgraded with missile jamming systems and military communications.

Under a new £80 million contract with Bristol-based Centreline, four BAe146 aircraft will be replaced by two more sustainable aircraft to continue the UK’s global engagement.

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Dassault 900LX was successful in this competition as the standout candidate in performance, cost value and time requirements (Picture source: RAF)

The new planes will be more sustainable thanks to their smaller engines, leading to a reduction in fuel burn and emissions. They will also be able to fly further, providing the UK greater opportunity to engage with key allies and partners.

The contract with Centreline, placed by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the MOD’s procurement arm, includes the purchase of two Dassault 900LX aircraft and two years of initial support, plus three option years if required.

Dassault 900LX was successful in this competition as the standout candidate in performance, cost value and time requirements.

"The Defence Equipment and Support and RAF teams have done an incredible job to procure these modern and efficient aircraft. I look forward to seeing them support the UK Defence Mission and our wider strategic partnerships." said Air Commodore Martin, RAF’s Programme Lead.

The new planes will be more sustainable thanks to their smaller engines, leading to a reduction in fuel burn and emissions. They will also be able to fly further, providing the UK greater opportunity to engage with key allies and partners (Picture source: RAF)

The two-phase programme will see the aircraft initially operated by a mixed crew of civilian and RAF personnel. The aircraft will be upgraded with missile jamming systems and military communications to deliver full capability and crewed by RAF personnel.

The Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper set out a bold and global vision stressing the importance of soft power, enhancing our international presence, developing on current relationships and building new ones.

After four decades of service, two BAe 146 aircraft are being preserved at the British Airliner Collection at Duxford, Cambridgeshire, and the South Wales Aviation Museum at St Athan in South Glamorgan. The remaining two aircraft have been bought by a Civilian Operator.