The future of some of the United Kingdom’s most iconic historic aircraft has been secured, following the award of a new long-term support contract for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). On April 3, 2026, Defense Equipment & Support (DE&S), part of the UK Ministry of Defense, announced that the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has awarded a contract to ensure the continued airworthiness of the BBMF’s fighter fleet through at least December 2035. The agreement—known as SHIELD (Spitfire & Hurricane Integrated Engineering & Logistics Delivery)—has been awarded to Musketeer Solutions. It provides a fully integrated support package covering maintenance, repair and overhaul, spare parts provision, as well as design and production services.
Based at RAF Coningsby, the BBMF operates a collection of WWII-era aircraft that perform at airshows and commemorative events across the UK. Its five Supermarine Spitfires and two Hawker Hurricanes remain enduring symbols of national resilience, and keeping them airworthy represents both a technical challenge and a national commitment to preserving living history. Under the SHIELD contract, Musketeer Solutions, headquartered in Peterborough, will act as prime contractor and lead the BBMF Fighters Industry Group (B-FIG). This partnership brings together several specialist UK aviation companies, including Kennet Aviation, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, and Retro Track & Air, supported by a wider network of suppliers.
Emphasizing the significance of the agreement, UK Minister for Defense Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard noted that the Spitfire and Hurricane are “truly iconic,” recalling their role in defending British skies during WWII and highlighting that the new contract ensures their legacy will continue well into the next decade as enduring symbols of bravery and sacrifice. Valued at £32 million, the contract will support around 20 jobs across the UK, including eight newly created roles in engineering, supply chain management, and business support. Managed by the BBMF Project Team, the agreement forms part of the wider BBMF Integrated Support Arrangements Program (BISAP).
Group Captain Andy March OBE, NAD Group Chief Engineer for the BBMF, described the SHIELD contract as a major step forward in long-term support. By consolidating what had been a complex network of legacy contracts into a single integrated solution, he explained, the program provides a more stable and sustainable foundation for the BBMF, while also representing a significant investment in UK aerospace expertise. Through the SHIELD program, Musketeer Solutions will coordinate engineering, technical, and supply chain capabilities across the B-FIG partnership, ensuring the fleet continues to meet strict Military Aviation Authority (MAA) airworthiness standards.
A spokesperson for Musketeer Solutions said the company is honored to lead the program and work alongside its partners, emphasizing the unique place the BBMF holds in the nation’s history and expressing pride in supporting the safe, long-term operation of its fighter aircraft. The contract also reflects the NAD Group’s broader commitment to modern, integrated, and sustainable defense support solutions, while safeguarding the future of some of Britain’s most treasured flying icons. For more information, visit www.raf.mod.uk.
