UK BAe 146 replacement plan cuts command support transport fleet in half
The RAF BAe 146 fleet will be retired in 2022 (Photo: UK MoD)
The UK has released details of its RAF BAe 146 fleet replacement but will only acquire two aircraft instead of four.
The UK MoD has issued an £80 million ($109 million) tender for two civilian business jets under a Command Support Air Transport Recapitalisation (CSAT Recap) acquisition that seeks a BAe146 replacement.
The tender, originally released on 28 October, requires 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 procurement of two modern, efficient aircraft with longer range are deemed sufficient to meet the CSAT requirement,’ an MoD spokesperson said in a statement to Shephard when asked about the decision not to call for a
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![How US Special Operations Forces are using AI to transform modern warfare]()
How US Special Operations Forces are using AI to transform modern warfare
USSOCOM is expanding the use of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and human-machine teaming to improve decision-making, survivability and operational reach in contested environments.
-
![SOF Week 2026: US military tests AI algorithm to support missions in low-light scenarios]()
SOF Week 2026: US military tests AI algorithm to support missions in low-light scenarios
The US Army and USAF are evaluating an AI-enabled imaging capability from Deepnight designed to enhance low-light and no-light operations across multiple platforms and environments.
-
![Industrial capacity under scrutiny as US approves further $8.6 billion Middle East arms sale]()
Industrial capacity under scrutiny as US approves further $8.6 billion Middle East arms sale
The fast-tracked emergency approvals come as the conflict in the Middle East stretches out into its third month, after Iranian attacks depleted US allies’ missile stockpiles and testing air defence systems.
-
![Intelligence innovation: From data overload to decision advantage (Podcast)]()
Intelligence innovation: From data overload to decision advantage (Podcast)
As militaries face an overwhelming flow of data, the challenge is shifting from collection to delivering fast, actionable insights that drive decision-making. Advances in AI and data integration are helping armed forces move beyond siloed systems to generate real-time intelligence across domains and allies.
-
![SAHA 2026 to Convene the Global Defence Ecosystem]()
SAHA 2026 to Convene the Global Defence Ecosystem
SAHA 2026 brings global defence and aerospace leaders to Istanbul for partnerships, launches, panels and high-value meetings.
