Centralising aircraft maintenance is saving money for the MoD

National Audit Office figures show carrying out work on Tornadoes at RAF Marham in Norfolk and Harriers at RAF Cottesmore in Leics has paid off.

The move was sparked by a shortage of Harrier aircraft for operations because of engineering problems.

However, the bulk of the savings have been made on servicing of Tornadoes.

Since the end of last year the number of Harrier aircraft fit for action has met the RAF's targets, the National Audit Office report reveals.

Minor repairs

Auditor General Sir John Bourn said: "The Ministry of Defence has made significant reductions in the cost of repairing and maintaining its jets, whilst broadly maintaining aircraft availability.

"On this basis, the changes represent value for money and underline the benefit of the MoD's approach to partnering with industry and rationalising repair activity."

The sites carry out all major repairs and upgrades at RAF Marham in Norfolk for Tornados and RAF Cottesmore in Rutland for Harriers.

Operational maintenance and minor repairs are carried out at squadrons' home bases.

Over the period 2001/02 to 2006/07, savings totalled �109m for Harriers and �1.3bn for Tornados.

The time taken to perform minor maintenance has reduced by 37% for Tornados and 19% for Harriers.

The MoD is also working closely with industry to ensure the supply chain works satisfactorily.