UK Second-Generation Search and Rescue Aviation programme (UKSAR2G)
The UKSAR2G programme will replace some existing services currently under contract to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency by the end of 2024.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), through HM Coastguard, provides a national 24-hour maritime and coastal search and rescue (SAR) emergency response service throughout the UK.
HM Coastguard provides support to all blue light emergency services, as well as other government departments and agencies, through the deployment of its search and rescue helicopters and planes.
New contract for search and rescue announced for the next ten years
On 21 July 2022 the Minister for Maritime and Aviation, Robert Courts MP announced that the contract for providing HM Coastguard aviation would be awarded to Bristow Helicopters Ltd to deliver both rotary and fixed wing services for the next ten years.
The new contract means the UK search and rescue region will benefit from both innovation and advances in technology to save more lives, even more quickly. It combines two separate aviation contracts for search and rescue helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft to then also include uncrewed aircraft (drones). This will provide better value for money for the taxpayer and allow for more innovation throughout the life of the contract.
This is an opportunity to build a future coastguard aviation capability that can keep pace with the growing demands on coastguard aviation services.
Read the press release for more information.
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Updates to this page
Published 10 June 2021Last updated 25 March 2024 + show all updates
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Link to the March newsletter added
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Update - New contract for search and rescue announced for the next ten years.
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Update to programme background, and what is next for the programme in 2022.
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First published.