£28M infrastructure upgrade at RAF Coningsby

Land February 18, 2026

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has officially commenced a £28 million infrastructure upgrade at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, targeting the station’s critical air operating surfaces.

The project is a key component of the Ministry of Defence’s wider strategy to maintain high-readiness capabilities at its primary airbases. Principal contractor VolkerFitzpatrick has been appointed to deliver the improvements, supported by AECOM as the technical services provider. The scope of the work encompasses the refurbishment and reinforcement of taxiways and apron areas, which are essential for the safe and efficient movement of the station’s Typhoon fighter fleet.

As one of the UK’s two Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations, RAF Coningsby maintains a constant state of readiness to defend national airspace. The station hosts 3 (Fighter) Squadron and XI (Fighter) Squadron, both of which are frontline combat-ready units, as well as 29 Squadron, the Operational Conversion Unit responsible for all UK Typhoon pilot training. For businesses and sub-contractors operating within the defence estate, the Coningsby project presents a complex operational environment. A fundamental requirement of the contract is the maintenance of full QRA functionality throughout the construction period. This necessitates a highly coordinated and phased approach to engineering works, ensuring that Typhoon aircraft can launch at any moment without hindrance from ongoing site activity.

The technical requirements for such airfield upgrades are stringent, involving specialised materials and paving techniques designed to withstand the thermal and mechanical stresses generated by modern fast-jet operations. The successful delivery of these improvements requires precise integration between the DIO, the lead contractors, and station command to manage the logistical challenges of a 24-hour operational site. This investment reflects a broader trend of sustained spending on the UK’s fixed-wing infrastructure, providing a stable pipeline of work for firms specialising in airfield engineering, project management, and technical consultancy.

The project is scheduled for completion in October 2026. Upon its conclusion, the upgraded facilities will provide enhanced durability and operational flexibility for the RAF’s Typhoon squadrons for several years. For the wider defence supply chain, the Coningsby upgrade serves as a significant benchmark for high-stakes infrastructure projects where mission continuity is paramount. It highlights the ongoing demand for contractors who can demonstrate expertise in delivering major works within live military environments while adhering to the rigorous safety and security standards required for the protection of national air defence assets.

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