Training operations for ditched aircrew and air sea rescue. Credit: Chris Henderson Photography / British Royal Navy.

The UK Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) has signed a deal with Boskalis Group company Smit International Scotland to support and deliver range safety and aircrew training vessels to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)

The seven-year contract will see the two companies supply range safety patrol vessels to various military firing ranges with river and coastal boundaries, as well as marine support for tri-service aircrew training across the ministry.

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It is valued at £39m and is initially set to continue for a period of five years until March 2023, with a provision for further extension.

"The contract, procured through competition, will deliver significant cost-savings in the region of 20%, as well as a number of performance benefits for the customer end-user."

The contract options also offer helicopter training, sea survival drills, target-towing, fast-attack craft simulations and range safety solutions.

Smit International Scotland managing director Paul de Jong said: “We are very pleased to continue to be of service for the next five years and maybe more.

“We look forward to build on our successful cooperation for the years to come.”

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The arrangement is expected to help strengthen the operational readiness of UK military personnel across all three services.

Smit International will be responsible for operating five medium and nine smaller fast patrol type vessels as part of the project, with the aim of improving range safety and aircrew training across the country.

DE&S Ships Commercial deputy head John Hayers said: “The contract, procured through competition, will deliver significant cost-savings in the region of 20%, as well as a number of performance benefits for the customer end-user.”

The vessels scheduled for delivery to the MoD include nine 12m-long purpose-built fast patrol craft, which will be deployed to ensure range safety, as well as four 27m-long purpose-built workboats for aircrew training and one 27m-long purpose-built craft for passengers.