Award

Lightning Air System National Capability Enterprise 28-32

DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

04 Nov 2025 at 08:49

Planning

04 Nov 2025 at 08:39

Summary of the contracting process

The "Lightning Air System National Capability Enterprise 28-32" contract, initiated by Defence Equipment and Support, part of the UK Ministry of Defence, aims to provide sustainment support for the UK's F-35 fleet. Located at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol, the contract encompasses operations, technical maintenance, training, logistics, and facilities management support, delivered both at the Main Operating Base and during deployment. This procurement process is in the award stage, with a contract commencing on 1st January 2028 and set to conclude on 31st December 2032, with a potential extension to the end of 2033. The contract, valued at £220 million (exclusive of VAT), is awarded directly to Lockheed Martin UK Ltd due to unique technical capabilities, meeting the criteria specified under the Procurement Act 2023.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in defence-related services, particularly those involved in aircraft maintenance, training, and logistical support. Large entities with the capacity to meet stringent technical standards and with expertise in managing complex defence projects are well-suited to engage in this arena. Although the contract has been directly awarded, understanding its scope and requirements can enable similar enterprises to position themselves for future opportunities in the defence procurement sector, particularly if renewal or extended services are considered.

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Notice Title

Lightning Air System National Capability Enterprise 28-32

Notice Description

The LANCE 28-32 contract will be the National Support Solution (NSS) for the UK's F-35 fleet. It comprises the tailored, Freedom of Action (FoA) services that together with the broader F-35 Program Global Support Solution (GSS) provide sustainment support. LANCE 28-32 services will be delivered by the Contractor at the Main Operating Base (MOB) and when deployed and embarked. Services will include operations, technical, maintenance, training, logistics and facilities management support.

Procurement Information

The Lightning Team, part of the UK Ministry of Defence, intends to award a contract to Lockheed Martin UK Ltd (LM UK) for services to sustain the UK F-35 Lightning Aircraft (Aircraft). The contract will be for a term of 5 years and have an estimated value of PS220 million (exclusive of VAT). It is considered that this contract can be awarded under Section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 because the direct award justification specified in paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 (single supplier - technical reasons) applies. This is because the services required under this contract (training, maintenance and management) are currently provided by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the Aircraft, Lockheed Martin Corporation procured through the US Joint Program Office (JPO) for the Lightning Programme, and LM UK is its wholly owned subsidiary. Only the OEM or one of its group companies has the required technical drawings, tools, knowledge and expertise to provide these services and there is no reasonable alternative.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d96e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070660-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

50210000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services related to aircraft and other equipment

80650000 - Training and simulation in aircrafts, missiles and spacecrafts

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£220,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£220,000,000 £100M-£1B
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
5 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
4 Nov 20253 months ago
Contract Period
1 Jan 2028 - 31 Dec 2032 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT
Contact Name
Kerri Mann
Contact Email
des-lightning-commercial@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS34 8JH
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
TLH16 North and West Norfolk

Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Stoke Park & Cheswick
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

LOCKHEED MARTIN

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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