A £28 million project to upgrade the airfield at RAF Coningsby is now under way, supporting the station’s vital role in defending UK airspace around the clock.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has contracted VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver improvements to the Station’s Air Operating Surfaces, including the airfield’s taxiways and apron areas. AECOM will join the project as Technical Services Provider.
RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, is one of two RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations which protect UK airspace, with pilots and supporting personnel on standby 24 hours a day.
The Station hosts two frontline combat-ready squadrons, 3 (Fighter) Squadron and XI (Fighter) Squadron, as well as 29 Squadron, which trains the next generation of Typhoon pilots.
In a unique challenge, RAF Coningsby’s role as a QRA station means its Typhoons must be ready to launch at all times, meaning all construction works will have to be carefully planned around the airfield’s 24-hour alert commitment.
Dan Wilmott, DIO Project Manager, said
This is an important investment in one of the UK’s most operationally significant air stations. RAF Coningsby’s role in defending UK airspace never stops, so delivering these improvements while maintaining the constant readiness of the Quick Reaction Alert has required careful planning.
We’re proud to be supporting the personnel at RAF Coningsby with upgraded facilities that will serve the station for years to come.
Group Captain Andy Hampshire, Station Commander, said
Defence of the nation is the RAF’s highest priority, QRA is at the very forefront of that task, so it’s vitally important that there is no hindrance caused by this refurbishment. I’m very grateful to Defence colleagues and industry partners for the seamless way this project has been undertaken.
Keith Maplethorpe, Operations Director at VolkerFitzpatrick, said
We are proud to play a key role in delivering these vital upgrades at RAF Coningsby. This investment strengthens one of the UK’s most strategically important air stations, ensuring that its teams can continue to protect our airspace around the clock.
The project is expected to be completed in October 2026.