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Boost to observer training with multi-million pound investment in Culdrose
19 May 2025
New buildings, new aircraft and new simulators are coming to Culdrose – part of a £300m contract to boost training for aircrew in the Fleet Air Arm and RAF.
Whitehall has signed an eight-year deal with Ascent Flight Training to enhance – and speed up – delivery of freshly-trained observers (and their RAF equivalent, weapons system officers and weapon system operators).
The improvements are intended to increase the number of trainees fourfold – up to 140 new aircrew a year – preparing them for the demands of modern worldwide operating environments and equipping them with the initial skills from which they will learn to operate a large variety of aircraft.
The contract includes significant investment in jobs, new buildings, simulators and aircraft at 750 Naval Air Squadron at Culdrose and RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire. Around 68 skilled workers will be hired or retained as part of the deal.
New training facilities will be built at both air stations by Babcock International Group, with enhanced simulator suites provided by Lockheed Martin.
In addition Draken will provide support for 750 Naval Air Squadron’s upgraded King Air Avenger training aircraft which act as ‘flying classrooms’ to give would-be observers – responsible for navigation, sensors and weapons systems – real-world instruction.
Once aircrew have completed their basic training, training, they will go on to learn how to operate the systems and weaponry on specific aircraft types, such as Merlin Mk2 and Wildcat helicopters, RAF Poseidon MRA1 aircraft, surveillance aircraft Rivet Joint, and remotely-piloted air systems such as the Protector RG Mk1.
The introduction of FIRCTS will ensure that we can safely deliver world-class personnel to the front-line to operate in vital roles on our latest aircraft platforms including Poseidon, Rivet Joint and Wedgetail.
The contract is part of the FIRCTS programme: Future ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) and Rear Crew Training System.
The Royal Navy’s Captain Polly Hatchard, a team leader for UK Military Flying Training System (known as UKMFTS), said: “This new flight training contract is a significant step forward for the UK’s defence capabilities, ensuring that personnel have access to world-class training resources.
“The contract reinforces our commitment to providing the highest level of readiness and operational effectiveness whilst creating new jobs across the UK and investing in regional economies.
“FIRCTS is a capability which will ensure the United Kingdom is at the forefront of providing world-class air power operational capability. Today’s air systems require aircrew who can exploit the electro-magnetic spectrum and assist in decision-making as we seek to outpace adversaries in complex battlespace.”
Air Commodore Rob Caine, RAF Head of Flying Training, says both Services will benefit from the enhanced training – which will be delivered from 2027.
“The introduction of FIRCTS will ensure that we can safely deliver world-class personnel to the front-line to operate in vital roles on our latest aircraft platforms including Poseidon, Rivet Joint and Wedgetail.
“The investment in the latest training technology and infrastructure at RNAS Culdrose and RAF Cranwell will help us to prepare aircrew to be ready to fly, fight and win in an uncertain world.”