UK buys Dassault 900LX to replace BAe 146 command support transport fleet
The Dassault 900LX has a maximum range of 4,750nm (Photo: Dassault)
The UK has announced it has struck a deal with aircraft management specialists Centreline to acquire two new Dassault 900LX trijets.
In a 8 February statement Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) said that the £80 million contract signed with the company included both aircraft, two years of support and a option for a further three years if required.
‘Dassault 900LX was successful in this competition as the stand out candidate in performance, cost value and time requirements,’ DE&S noted.
The two aircraft have been bought to replace a fleet of four BAe 146 types and as part of the UK’s Command Support Air Transport Recapitalisation (CSAT Recap) acquisition.
An original tender for the acquisition, released on 28 October 2021, called on industry bidders to put forward aircraft that can achieve a minimum unrefuelled range of 3,850nm from an unrestricted airfield and transport up to eight passengers.
The 900LX boosts a range of 4,750nm carrying six passengers and two aircrew, according to Dassault company literature.
CSAT Recap requirements also include a chosen contractor committing to deliver up to 980 flying hours in year one and up to 1200 in year two.
‘The Aircraft may initially be based from an Operating Base of the Contractor’s choosing or RAF Northolt (NHT) but must transition to RAF NHT (which will become the Main Operating Base (MOB)) by Phase 1 Full Operating Capability (FOC),’ noted the original tender.
Under CSAT Recap Phase Two a new acquisition will be introduced to source a contractor capable of carrying out military modifications on the 900LX aircraft from 2024 onward.
The aircraft are to be used mainly to transport members of the royal family, government ministers and MoD civilian personnel.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.