Huge congratulations to the Fast Jet team for receiving an Air & Space Commander Commendations – Team Commendation in the King’s Birthday Honours.
The recognition for: “UKMFTS Fast Jet Transformation Team, RAF Valley and MOD Abbey Wood” recognised their outstanding service and dedication.
RAF King’s Birthday Honours 2026 | Royal Air Force
The implementation of Fast Jet Transformation (FJT) Phase 1 has been a fantastic achievement by the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS).
Ascent’s Programme Manager, Rich Saunders, said that collaboration has been key to its success: “Perhaps the most striking feature of the FJT Phase 1 campaign was the productivity gain that was achieved by affording the joint delivery team a high degree of autonomy and flexibility in how it operated. Since contract award in May 2024, we have made major upgrades to 11 simulator devices at RAF Valley, covering both Hawk and Texan portfolios. Output delivered at that pace was enabled because UKMFTS sought to remove bureaucratic barriers to progress, and by encouraging the adoption of agile methods and mindset.
“The technology is exciting of course, but ultimately programmes like this are about the people involved and their willingness to adopt the characteristics of the innovator, to embrace new opportunities and be a pioneer for change.”
Photo: Crown Copyright
