RAF puts aircraft painting contract out to tender
The Ministry of Defence has launched a tender for a surface finishing contract covering all fixed and rotary wing aircraft across RAF stations in the UK and at UK Strategic Command permanent joint operating bases overseas, with an estimated value of just under GBP 100 million excluding VAT and a contract period running from April 2027 to April 2037 with an option to extend by a further two years.
The tender notice, published on 22 April, describes the requirement as providing “a Surface Finishing capability for fixed and rotary wing aircraft, in order to support the maintenance of the airworthiness of the platforms in question as mandated by the respective Platform Engineering Authorities”, with the scope also covering airfield support equipment including mechanical transport and ground support equipment “in order to assist in corrosion control and visual signature control in accordance with current policies”, as well as miscellaneous station support tasks including the production of signage.
The contract is currently at tender stage, with suppliers required to complete a pre-selection questionnaire by 15 May 2026 to demonstrate suitability, technical and professional capability and financial standing, with those passing that stage potentially invited to a subsequent tender stage that may include refinement of requirements and negotiation before final submission. An award decision is expected by October 2026, ahead of the contract start date of April 2027.
Surface finishing is a critical element of military aircraft maintenance, with paint systems providing the primary barrier against corrosion on both metallic and composite airframes, and the visual signature control requirement reflecting the need to maintain low-observable finishes across the fleet.
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