Defence Online

Type of document: Contract Notice
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Ref: 003912/S 000-2026
Nature of contract: Service contract
Procedure: Not specified
Regulation of procurement: Not applicable
Type of bid required: Not applicable

UKPGA UK2: Preliminary Market Engagement Notice

I) Contracting Authority/Entity
I.1) Name and addresses
Official name: Defence Equipment and Support
National registration number: PVRL-5831-GLMM

Postal address: MOD Abbey Wood
Town: Bristol
Region: Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Postal code: BS34 8JH
Country: United Kingdom

Contact Person: Darren Steward
Email: darren.steward105@mod.gov.uk

Internet address

I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Public authority – central government

II) Object
II.1.1) Title
WLT: Weapon Load Trainer
Reference number: 715631469

II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
Special regime
DefenceSecurity

II.1.4) Short description
Background:
A Weapon Load Trainer (WLT) formed part of the original Eurofighter training solution; this was never implemented by the RAF. The initial concept envisaged integrating the RAF Typhoon Weapons Load Training Team with the Weapons Training Team within the Typhoon Training Facility (TTF). The planned concept of operations for a WLT will be for the device to be jointly operated between the TTF and the Weapon Load Training Cell (WLTC). TTF delivers all initial Weapon Load (WL) training, with the WLTC responsible for all WL recertification.
The current weapon load training solution requires the transfer of activity from the controlled, purpose-built TTF environment to operational settings. These operational settings are less conducive to initial learning, introduce additional distractions and safety risks, and rely on opportunistic use of maintenance events. Such one-off training opportunities limit practice to mastery and constrain formative and summative assessment against the Required Performance Standard, resulting in repeated, ad hoc exercises to achieve compliance.
Preparation of Forward Available Fleet (FAF) aircraft for training purposes, and their subsequent recovery to operational configuration, is resource-intensive and increases maintenance burden and potential for repair. Additionally, FAF aircraft are routinely subject to operational commitments, which can disrupt or invalidate planned training.
Requirement:
This requirement outlines the procurement of WLTs for both Main Operating Bases (MOBs), designed to meet Armament Carriage & Installation Systems standards and the broader requirements of the WLTCs.
The primary driver for this acquisition is the increasing demand on forward environments to provide training resources, coupled with growing pressure on Typhoon Force training facilities, assets, and resources due to force growth and export training requirements. Procuring one WLT, with an aim to procure a second, will significantly reduce the impact of training on operational environments and the FAF, whilst ensuring a consistent training output aligned with aircraft configurations at both MOBs.
High-fidelity WLT Ground Training Aids will support all initial and re-certification weapon load training. The requirement seeks the procurement of one standalone WLT initially, with the potential for a second WLT subject to affordability.
As part of the Typhoon Force disposal strategy, two Tranche 1 Typhoon airframes have been made available for use by the manufacturer in constructing the WLTs, should they choose to do so. This approach offers environmental benefits by reducing the impact of standard aircraft disposal and may also provide efficiencies for the manufacturer. Please note that this will necessitate secure facilities and stringent security measures to safeguard the airframes and associated equipment throughout the process.

II.2) Description
II.2.1) Title
Contract/Lot No
1

II.2.2) CPV codes
Main CPV code
80650000

II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code
UK – United Kingdom

II.2.7) Contract dates (estimated)
Start
2026-03-31 00:00
End
2028-03-31 23:59
Duration
2 years 1 day

III) Legal, economic, financial and technical information
III.1) Conditions for participation
III.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

VI) Complementary information
Link to source/bidding documents

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
2026-01-16 13:56

VI.6) Engagement information
Engagement deadline
2026-01-30 23:59
Engagement process description
Through this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (PMEN), the Ministry of Defence seeks expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers. Any interested supplier with the experience, capability and capacity to deliver this service are asked to register their interest by contacting the buyer at the details provided in this notice via DSP only.
Further market engagement shall be driven by the level of interest recieved subject to the Authority’s decision this will be updated via FTS by the Contracting Authority.
This PMEN has been published for the purposes of Market Sounding and to assist in the determination of the procurement strategy. No formal procurement has been launched. This is not a commitment by the UK Ministry of Defence to place a contract or launch a tender in the future.