KVF35, a joint venture between Kier and VolkerFitzpatrick is delighted to announce the official completion of upgrade works to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). The £160m project, which was carried out in numerous phases, has allowed for the increase in personnel and US Air Force F-35 aircraft.
In November 2024, the Corrosion Control Facility officially opened. The facility, which was the final building to be finished, sees F-35s sprayed with a protective coating. It was opened by the Chief Executive of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Mike Green, alongside the US Air Force’s Colonel Jack Arthaud, Commander of 48th Fighter Wing.
Starting in April 2018 and taking over 6 years to complete, KV35 have been working to prepare the infrastructure that the state-of-the-art aircraft and their crews will require. This includes resurfacing the aircraft aprons for the F-15s as well as a new apron for the F-35s, building maintenance hangars, training facilities, storage areas as well as further infrastructure work at the base. After the initial facilities were operational, the first F-35s arrived in December 2021.
Over the course of the project the KVF35 programme has generated over £100m of social value, with 42% of the project costs directed to local small and medium enterprises. This far surpasses the initial target of £1m. In addition, members of the programme have volunteered at events for the local community, ranging from tree planting, to providing insight on working in construction at school careers events.
"The completion of RAF Lakenheath’s Corrosion Control Facility marks a significant achievement for the KVF35 team. Working in collaboration, we’ve delivered world-class facilities that will support the operational readiness of the F-35 fleet and strengthen the infrastructure at RAF Lakenheath. We’re proud to have contributed to this essential upgrade, enhancing support for the US Air Force’s new generation of aircraft and personnel.”
James Hindes Managing Director, VolkerFitzpatrick
“It was a great pleasure to be part of the ribbon cutting for the Corrosion Control Facility, which marks the completion of a huge programme of work delivered by DIO and our contractors on behalf of the US Air Force. We look forward to continuing this relationship for the second phase of work, which is already underway.”
Mike Green DIO's Chief Executive
