Rolls-Royce has been awarded a significant five-year support contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) for the continued maintenance and servicing of the EJ200 engines powering the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) fleet of Typhoon fighter aircraft.
Known as the Typhoon Engine Support Solution (TESS), the contract ensures the ongoing repair and maintenance of 130 EJ200 engines and will directly sustain around 200 jobs. Beyond this, the agreement strengthens the wider UK supply chain, supporting up to 2,400 jobs nationwide. These roles are vital to maintaining the UK’s position at the forefront of combat air capability, with TESS serving as a critical enabler of current operational readiness and a stepping stone to future air platforms such as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Much of the work under this contract will be carried out at Rolls-Royce’s UK Defence headquarters in Bristol. The site is central to the research, development, and manufacturing of propulsion systems for the next generation of military aircraft. It plays a key role in maintaining the UK’s engineering edge and securing long-term defence and industrial capabilities.
Importantly, 80% of the technologies being developed for future combat air initiatives such as GCAP are transferable to civil aerospace applications. This dual-use innovation underscores the wider benefits of defence investment, not only bolstering national security but also enhancing the UK’s industrial competitiveness across multiple sectors.
The TESS contract has been awarded by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the procurement organisation within the Ministry of Defence, and represents a continued commitment to safeguarding the RAF’s operational capabilities while also supporting economic growth and technological advancement.
