The contract, known as the Typhoon Engine Support Solution (TESS), ensures the continued performance and availability of around 130 EJ200 engines, a critical component of the UK’s air defence capability. The deal sustains approximately 200 direct jobs and supports up to 2,400 roles across the UK supply chain, strengthening the country’s combat air expertise and industrial base.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP commented, “Not only will this contract help to maintain our world-class jets, it also delivers on our Plan for Change by securing around 200 jobs in the UK and boosting the skills base our world-leading defence industry relies upon. Together with our upgrade programme, this contract will ensure our Typhoon fleet remains the backbone of UK air defence for the next decade.”

The TESS contract underlines the strategic role of Rolls-Royce in UK defence. Most of the work will take place at the company’s Defence headquarters in Bristol, a hub for cutting-edge military propulsion research and development. Crucially, 80% of the technologies developed for future combat programmes like the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) can also be applied in the civil sector—demonstrating the value of defence investment in driving dual-use innovation.

Adam Riddle, President – Defence at Rolls-Royce, said: “This contract builds on more than a century of Rolls-Royce partnership and trust with the Ministry of Defence. The Typhoon Engine Support Solution represents a continuation of our support of the EJ200 engine and we’re glad for the ongoing confidence in our team and capabilities. This investment enables us and our supply chain to ensure the Royal Air Force can execute their missions effectively, wherever and whenever they’re needed, in an increasingly complex global environment.”

Awarded by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the MOD, the TESS contract reflects a broader commitment to secure and sustain key military capabilities while fostering national prosperity.

Lyndon Hoyle, Head of the Typhoon Delivery Team at DE&S, added: “This contract not only ensures the continued availability of the Typhoon fleet, it helps drive growth and prosperity within UK Defence, reinforcing our dedication to procuring capability that equips our armed forces with competitive edge now and in the future.”

As a major strategic partner to the UK’s Armed Forces—and to over 160 customers in 100 countries—Rolls-Royce remains a global leader across the defence, civil aerospace, and nuclear sectors. With around 80% of its UK production destined for export, the company is among the UK’s largest single exporters by volume and value, contributing significantly to national economic output.

Through TESS and future-facing programmes like GCAP, Rolls-Royce continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring the UK retains its competitive edge in global aerospace and defence.