RAF Waddington airfield set for major refurbishment in £53 million project
Airfield refurbishment works will enhance long-term resilience at the Lincolnshire RAF base
Work has started on a major refurbishment project at RAF Waddington. MOD Crown Copyright.
Work has started on a £53 million project to refurbish the airfield at RAF Waddington, home of the RAF’s Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) Force and the world-famous Red Arrows.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is delivering the project on behalf of Air Infrastructure for the RAF. Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure Ltd has been appointed to carry out the works, with Ramboll UK providing technical services.
The project includes the refurbishment of several aircraft bays and taxiways, the installation of new drainage systems and upgrading approach lighting. Together, this work will enhance the resilience of RAF Waddington’s airfield infrastructure for years to come. Extensive planning has been carried out with RAF units and station staff to ensure flying operations can continue throughout the works.
RAF Waddington serves as the hub of UK Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), which provides British and NATO military commanders with critical information. It is also home to the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.
Head of Air Infrastructure, Air Commodore Phil Reid, said:
Our commitment to investing in the RAF’s operational capability is clearly demonstrated in this project. One of a programme of airfield infrastructure projects underway, I’m pleased to see the continued collaboration through DIO’s Programmatic Approach with Lagan Aviation and Ramboll UK.
The size and scale of projects such as at RAF Waddington present many challenges, in both their planning and delivery. Air Infrastructure will continue to work closely with colleagues in DIO, at stations and with our industry partners to ensure the RAF remains ready to fly and fight by ensuring our airbases are able to operate at maximum efficiency.
Pete Shaw, DIO Project Manager said:
I am pleased to see work commencing on this vital refurbishment project at RAF Waddington. This work will enhance the resilience and reliability of the airfield, ensuring Service personnel have the facilities they need to train and operate effectively, helping Defence remain ready to respond.
Robert Weston, Project Director at Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure Ltd, said:
We are delighted to be starting works on the refurbishment of the airfield at RAF Waddington on behalf of DIO. Over the course of the project, we will continue to work with our stakeholders, utilising our expertise and experience gained through past successful projects. We have planned the works collaboratively with the Station to ensure operations are not impacted during the construction works.
The project is expected to be completed in summer 2028. Once complete, the refurbishments will ensure RAF Waddington’s airfield infrastructure continues to support Defence operations and our commitment to NATO now and into the future.