The project includes building an F-35 flight simulator, maintenance unit, new hangars and storage facilities. HLM will be working alongside engineering and construction firm Kier VolkerFitzpatrick to design and deliver the new facilities.

All HLM studios, including Glasgow, will be working closely together to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

The Suffolk airbase will be the first permanent international site for US Air Force F-35s in Europe. The flight simulator will have the capacity to link to other simulators used by pilots across the UK and beyond, allowing expertise to be shared and pilots from the UK and US to work together.

Mick Scherdel, director at HLM, said: “At HLM, we are privileged to be awarded the RAF Lakenheath project. Since the Defence Academy 2000, HLM has been improving and enhancing training, living and learning across the UK Defence Estates.  RAF Lakenheath will benefit further from our recent experience on Project Wellesley, DCLPA Worthy Down and Catterick Garrison.” 

Managing director of aviation and defence at Kier, James Hindes, said: “It builds on our extensive expertise in the defence sector, delivering first-class projects within secure environments including facilities at MoD Lyneham and RAF Shawbury.”