The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Serco a three-year contract extension to continue support for the Solid State Phased Array Radar at the Fylingdales Royal Air Force base in North Yorkshire.
The radar is part of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System program, which guards the UK and US against surprise missile attacks.
Under the contract extension, Serco will provide supply operation, repair, and maintenance for the radar. The company will also support the hardware, life support systems, project management, and training associated with the radar.
The additional three-year project will run from 2023 to 2026, building on the six-year agreement for 15 million pounds ($17 million) from 2014 to 2020.
“Serco’s team at Fylingdales is steeped in history. We’ve been here a long time and the work we are entrusted to do is an important part of the UK’s national security,” Serco Defence’s Keith Hillas said.
“We’re proud and privileged to offer our continuing service to the MoD and the US DoD in the support of this critical asset.”
“We employ a highly skilled and specialised engineering and technical team who are a key part of Serco’s high technology work in the air and space domain.”
UK Ballistic Missile Early Warning Operations
The Solid State Phased Array Radar was launched in 1992. In September, the UK Royal Air Force celebrated its 30th anniversary of operation.
The radar was constructed to replace the aging, rotating radars that were housed in large protective radomes. It is currently operated by the UK Space Command.
Fylingdales has supported Ballistic Missile Early Warning Operations for more than 58 years.
“The great work of our Fylingdales team was recognised earlier this year when they were awarded the ‘Space Team of the Year’ award at the inaugural UK Space Command Initial Operating Capability Dinner,” Hillas highlighted.
Meanwhile, Serco has also been operating and maintaining the facility since its formation in 1987.