New support contract awarded to keep BBMF (Battle of Britain Memorial Flight) Spitfires and Hurricanes airborne until December 2035.
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Press Release, Abbey Wood, Bristol, 03 April 2026: (Embargoed until 00:01) The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s (BBMF) five Spitfires and two Hurricanes will remain airworthy until at least December 2035 through a new contract awarded by the National Armaments Director Group (NAD Group).
The contract, known as SHIELD (Spitfire & Hurricane, Integrated, Engineering & Logistics Delivery), has been awarded to Musketeer Solutions, to deliver a fully integrated solution covering maintenance, repair and overhaul, spares availability, and design and production services.
Based at RAF Coningsby, the BBMF maintains a fleet of Second World War aircraft in airworthy condition, performing at airshows and commemorative events across the UK each year. Its Spitfires and Hurricanes remain strong symbols of national resilience and maintaining them in airworthy condition is both a technical and national endeavour.
Musketeer Solutions in Peterborough will be the prime contractor leading the BBMF Fighters Industry Group (B-FIG). The B-FIG partnership brings together a collective of specialist UK aviation companies, including Kennet Aviation, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, and Retro Track & Air, supported by a wider network of expert suppliers.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: “Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft are truly iconic. From defence of British skies in our hour of need during the Second World War, to now serving as a reminder of the bravery and heroics of those that delivered such a historic victory.
“We are keeping the flame of that memory alive, maintaining those aircraft well into the next decade – nearly 100 years on from their decisive role in the Battle of Britain.”
The contract worth £32 million supports 20 UK jobs – including eight newly created roles – in skilled engineering, supply chain management and business support. Placed by the BBMF Project Team, the contract forms part of the wider BBMF Integrated Support Arrangements Programme (BISAP).
Group Captain Andy March OBE, NAD Group Chief Engineer for the BBMF at RAF Coningsby, said: “The SHIELD contract to keep our Spitfires and Hurricanes airborne marks a significant step forward in how we support the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for the long term. By consolidating what was a complex web of legacy contracts into a single, integrated arrangement, we are giving the BBMF the stable and sustainable foundation it needs to continue honouring those who served and to inspire the next generation of aviators. This is also a strong investment in UK aerospace capability, bringing together some of the best specialist engineering expertise in the country.”
Through SHIELD, Musketeer Solutions will draw on the strengths of the B-FIG partnership to deliver engineering, technical, and supply chain expertise. The contract is designed to meet the evolving needs of the MOD while maintaining the highest standards of airworthiness and engineering excellence.
A spokesperson for Musketeer Solutions said: “We are honoured to be leading the BISAP-F programme and to work alongside our industry partners as part of the B-FIG team. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight holds a unique place in the nation’s history, and we are proud to support the continued safe operation and sustainability of its fighter aircraft. This contract reflects the strength of our collaborative approach and the expertise across the B-FIG partnership.”
This contract demonstrates the NAD Group’s commitment to a modern, sustainable contracting approach that meets Military Aviation Authority (MAA) regulatory standards.
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