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Tue March 19 2024

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Wates readies RAF Marham for new jets

6 Dec 16 Wates Construction has landed a £27m contract to build a new squadron headquarters at RAF Marham in King’s Lynn – home to the next generation of fighter jets.

The F-35B (Crown Copyright)
The F-35B (Crown Copyright)

Wates will build facilities to house the new F-35B Lightning II aircraft, which come into service in 2018.

It is the first contract Wates has booked under the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) next generation estate contract (NGEC) framework.

The fifth generation F-35B jets will be operated initially by 617 ‘The Dambusters’ Squadron, Royal Air Force, followed by 809 ‘The Immortals’ Naval Air Squadron, in 2023. They will have the ability to operate from land as well as the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, the first of which is expected to receive Lightning II on deck in 2019.

Ian Vickers, managing director of Wates Construction Home Counties, said: "We are delighted to be chosen for this exciting project at RAF Marham, and our first success on the DIO framework.  We look forward to working with our client and their team in the creation of the new Squadron Headquarters and bringing local opportunities for training and employment."

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