UK Facility Designated as Key Repair Hub for US Air Force Aircraft

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A defence site in North Wales has been chosen as a strategic repair hub for United States Air Force aircraft components, marking a major boost for UK-US military cooperation. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that MOD Sealand, located near Deeside, will lead critical repair and overhaul services as part of a new transatlantic partnership.

The initiative, named Atlantic Eagle, follows a formal agreement signed in 2024 between senior UK defence officials and the US Air Force Sustainment Center. Under the arrangement, MOD Sealand will service components from aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules and KC-135 Stratotanker, with a focus on electronics, avionics, and communications systems.

Known for its advanced engineering capability, the site is already a global maintenance centre for the F-35 fighter jet. This latest development expands its role within NATO’s logistical support network and aims to reduce reliance on US-based facilities, cutting turnaround times for critical aircraft parts.

Aircraft components from US operations across Europe will be routed through RAF Mildenhall before being transferred to Sealand for inspection, repair, and certification. UK-based engineers and apprentices will work alongside American personnel, deliver high-level technical support while strengthening bilateral training opportunities.

Ian Doughty, Acting Chief Executive of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Deca, which operates the Sealand site, said the Atlantic Eagle programme is reshaping defence logistics by placing capability closer to the point of need. He highlighted the cost savings, reduced delivery times, and operational benefits of conducting work within Europe.

Vice Admiral Andy Kyte, the Ministry of Defence’s Chief of Defence Support, described the move as a demonstration of the UK’s value as a dependable defence partner. He said the project not only showcases British technical expertise but also underpins NATO’s broader goal of building resilient, forward-deployed logistics infrastructure.

The project also includes a component called Pathway Atlantic, a proof-of-concept programme that has already seen the successful refurbishment of key aircraft parts. The work has been praised for improving aircraft availability while relieving pressure on US logistics chains.

This expanded role is expected to protect skilled British jobs and reinforce the UK’s role in global defence supply chains. The government views the development as a step toward further integration with allied air logistics missions, particularly under emerging NATO and US-led initiatives across Europe.