Last Updated on April 25, 2026 by Allied Dispatch UK | Published: April 8, 2026
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has officially awarded Babcock International a four-year contract extension to continue delivering the Light Aircraft Flying Task (LAFT). This agreement ensures the continued operation and maintenance of the fleet that provides the Royal Air Force’s foundational flying experience.
This extension maintains a critical link in the UK’s Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS).
Maintaining the Grob Tutor Fleet
Under the LAFT contract, Babcock is responsible for the operation and end-to-end maintenance of nearly 100 Grob G115E “Tutor” aircraft. These aircraft are the workhorses of the UK’s initial flying training, located across 17 sites, including:
- University Air Squadrons (UAS): Providing flying training to high-potential undergraduates.
- Air Experience Flights (AEF): Offering cadets their first taste of military aviation.
- Elementary Flying Training (EFT): Serving as the initial grading and training phase for future frontline pilots.
Engineering and Logistics Support
The contract covers more than just flight hours. Babcock provides a comprehensive support package that includes:
- Fleet Management: Ensuring aircraft availability across numerous locations.
- Deep Maintenance: Conducting structural and mechanical overhauls to keep the ageing but reliable Tutor fleet airworthy.
- Ground Support: Providing the engineering personnel and logistics needed to sustain a high-tempo training schedule.
The “Future Pilot” Foundation
While much of the modern defence focus is on high-performance jets and advanced helicopters, the LAFT task is where the fundamental skills of airmanship are born. By securing this contract extension, the MOD is prioritising the stability of the pilot recruitment and training pipeline.
Babcock’s CEO of Land, Chris Baxter, stated:
“We are delighted to continue our long-standing support for the UK’s military flying training. This contract extension is a testament to the hard work of our teams and their commitment to providing high levels of aircraft availability.”
Allied Dispatch View
At Allied Dispatch, we often track the “sharp end” of aviation, the Typhoons and F-35s. However, every one of those pilots started in the cockpit of a Grob Tutor. In an era where pilot recruitment and retention are top-tier strategic challenges, the reliability of the LAFT2 program is the bedrock upon which the rest of the RAF is built.