From protective aircraft shelters for use by fifth-generation fast jets to bigger structures used for longer-term storage and maintenance of helicopters and larger aircraft, hangars are an important piece of infrastructure. Designs should interface with Aircraft Operating Surfaces for efficiency of operation and maintenance.

Case study: Maintenance hangar at major UK airport
Working for a leading aircraft manufacturer, we designed a 15,000m2 hangar for maintaining commercial airliners at a busy UK airport, using DfMA to ensure efficient and safe construction. The scope required various combinations of aircraft to be housed at any one time, as well as challenging height restrictions due to the proximity of aircraft operations. We provided engineering design and construction support services on the project and, once the structure was designed, undertook a value engineering exercise to reduce construction cost.

Case study: Deep maintenance and modification facility (DMMF)
The DMMF will be a $200 million purpose-built facility designed to accommodate the long-term maintenance and servicing requirements for Defence Force’s fleet of P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft. The project is currently in construction and due to be completed by mid-2026. Renewal South Australia (SA) has engaged Mott MacDonald as the Principal Contract Administrator as well as liaising with Renewal SA and Defence to lead on matters relating to the Defence Handover and Takeover (HOTO) process.

Specialist infrastructure is required to keep modern military aircraft stored, fuelled, washed, maintained and operating smoothly. Masterplanning and designing these includes compliance requirements, lighting, fire safety, fuelling systems, drainage and surface water management, compatibility with current and future technology and conformity to international standards.

Case study: AGE facility and fuel cell at RAF Lakenheath
As delivery partner on the US Visiting Forces F-35 Beddown programme at RAF Lakenheath, we designed a new Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) facility and fuel cell to support the arrival of the F-35 aircraft at the air base. We used design charrettes to capture requirements from the client and end users, worked with specialist experts to review the designed assets for compliance, and oversaw construction until successful commissioning, handover and operational use.

Case study: Ground Vehicle Fuelling Facility at Arnold Air Force Base
We managed the replacement of the ground vehicle fueling facility at Arnold Air Force Base in Manchester, TN, home to the Arnold Engineering Development Complex. We provided full design and construction phase services for a modern vehicle fueling station, including tanks, piping, dispensers, emergency systems, and supporting infrastructure like roadways, military pavement restoration, and security fencing. Our expertise in fueling systems and coordination with the US Army Corps of Engineers ensured a seamless transition from the outdated 1950s-era facility.

Parking aprons, taxiways and runways range from those used by the largest transport aircraft, such as the C-17 at RAF Brize Norton, to smaller Remotely Piloted Air Systems, such as PROTECTOR at RAF Waddington. For optimal design, aerodrome design and safeguarding requirements must be carefully considered alongside operational requirements and environmental factors. Surfaces in heavily used areas of an airfield can have an average lifespan of as little as 10 years, so asset management and maintenance are key.

Case study: RAF Leeming Aircraft Operating Surfaces (AOS) Design & Build contract
We were engaged by Volker Fitzpatrick, on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), to upgrade the main and secondary runways at RAF Leeming, as well as the taxiways and associated infrastructure. We delivered a detailed design for runway surfaces, including upgrading a number of substations and renewal of the airfield ground lighting, and also supported its successful construction against a challenging schedule. This infrastructure enables RAF Leeming to continue to maximise its airfield operations for the foreseeable future.

There is a lot to consider when designing and delivering facilities for use by aircraft operators, trainers and maintainers. Buildings and other infrastructure must flow together to support safe, secure and efficient operation while ensuring operational readiness and resilience. Mission conversion programmes for the new construction and renovation of existing buildings and infrastructure to support the beddown of new aircraft must also provide spaces for living and working that must be secure, comfortable and efficient for a modern, highly skilled workforce.

Case study: Creating a safer airspace at RAF Coningsby
We managed a project to build a new air traffic control facility at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire to replace the original 1940s structure. We liaised with the project sponsor and end-user to form a dedicated team, and took the scheme through project viability and derived design, site investigations, planning liaison, procurement and construction. A combination of our strong relationship with the client, a detailed knowledge of site services and base operating procedures, and a large team of experienced, site-base staff ensured success.

Armouries and munitions storage buildings are functional structures designed for security, strength and safety. Designs are dictated by strict safety and security requirements including layouts, stand-off distances and lines of sight, while choice of materials and construction processes can aid sustainability.

Case study: Munitions inspection facility at RAF Lakenheath
As technical services provider to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) for three munitions maintenance facilities operated by the US Air Force at RAF Lakenheath, we were commissioned to develop a full detailed authority design. We started by leading a three-day charrette, a collaborative activity with end users and other stakeholders, which informed the design development and helped us identify opportunities to significantly improve energy efficiency. We then developed the design to satisfy both UK and US design standards, including specialist defence requirements, identifying the most onerous requirements for each system. Where conflicts existed between standards, we engaged with the client and proposed solutions and have subsequently supported the DIO in defining general approaches to these that can be used across the US Visiting Forces estate.

With military bases needing to be ever vigilant against the changing threat environment, infrastructure facilities must be designed to incorporate security systems and processes. Designs are developed to take account of standoff distances and physical protection against explosives, while modern technology can assist in security monitoring to provide a layered and secure environment from which to operate.

Our experience:
As a trusted partner for many complex defence equipment and infrastructure programmes in the UK, including Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) projects, we have a deep understanding of security requirements and standards. Engaging with Ministry of Defence security stakeholders, we work in partnership to define the right security arrangements for all the projects we are involved in.

Case study: Main security gate improvements, US Navy at Naval Weapons Station Earle
Conceptual design for security improvements for the Base’s main entrance. Work included gate access realignment; reinforced fencing along the public highway; new security fencing surrounding guardhouse area; new hardened guard house, rejection area for privately owned vehicles; permanent vehicle inspection shelter with CCTV; undercarriage video surveillance equipment; permanent passive security barriers; two active (pop-up) vehicle barriers; demolition of existing pass and identification office; and construction of a new Pass/ID within a new inspection facility.

Providing day-to-day access for vessels of all kinds, and featuring heavy lifting equipment for loading and unloading, maintenance and repair, docks are the focus of significant infrastructure investment and must be planned carefully to accommodate future needs.

Case study: Creating the naval dockyard of the future at Devonport
As delivery partner for the 10 Dock Programme and Major Infrastructure Projects (MIP) at Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth, we are part of a collaborative, integrated team leading major improvements to the docks and facilities, which are owned and operated by Babcock. The works will enable Devonport to meet the Navy’s needs, including maintaining the new Type 26 frigates and Astute and Dreadnought class submarines, long into the future.

Education for the families of service personnel who live on military bases is an important component of employee wellbeing and adds value for the community. Educational facilities and environments must be conducive to learning wherever service personnel and their families are based. Modular, repeatable building designs can represent excellent value, while aiding constructability and future adaptability.

Case study: High school and child development centre at RAF Lakenheath
As delivery partner on the F-35 Beddown programme at RAF Lakenheath, we designed a three-storey high school for approximately 560 students. Since the school’s students would be connected to the US Visiting Forces (USVF), the school was delivered to US Department of Defense Educational Authority specifications, as well as meeting all UK standards. The school featured sport facilities and an outdoor landscaped learning area, and designs achieved a high level of sound attenuation to ensure optimal learning environments on a live operational air base.

Case study: RAAF Sale – Facilities to support Air Mission Training
The site is a training facility for the Air Force where cadets and other ranks undergo training of various levels. The scope includes new live-in-accommodation (LIA), as well as new and refurbished facilities for training systems. The scope included coordinated infrastructure upgrades including HV networks, comms and security, domestic, waste and irrigation water, as well as civil works for carparks and roadworks. This is a Capital Facilities and Infrastructure (CFI) project and our team has been engaged as the Design Services Consultant (DSC) to deliver the design for the new build and refurbished accommodation.

Technology in the defence arena advances rapidly, so deciding what to invest in and the right time to replace existing equipment, is never straightforward. Scenario planning and roadmapping exercises, together with whole life costing and risk management, can help to de-risk these programmes.

Case study: NATO Alliance Future Surveillance and Control – risk reduction feasibility study
As part of the Boeing ABILITI Consortium, we are supporting NATO to redefine how it will conduct aerial surveillance following the retirement of the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet in 2035. We undertook roadmapping and assessed the lifecycle costs, risk management and through-life management of over 20 constituent systems capable of providing future surveillance.

Case study: Borneo Barracks Facilities Project – Borneo Barracks, Cabarlah, Queensland.
We were appointed as the Design Services Consultant (DSC) to deliver the full infrastructure and buildings design of a new precinct to support the establishment of a new Squadron within Borneo Barracks at Cabarlah, Queensland. This precinct includes new training and office facilities, high security facility, new storage facilities and general precinct infrastructure such as in-ground services, roads, hardstand and secure fencing. The design team provided extensive design layouts and options through the 30% phase to provide users with a building that could be flexible and meet current and future needs. This innovation not only improved design life (25 years) and future use of the facility, but also allowed for an increase in floor plate, security and overall amenity for the users of the building.

Looking after the health of service personnel and their families is an integral component of military capability and part of the defence sector’s duty of care to its employees. Excellent medical facilities promote individual and collective wellbeing and can provide benefits for the wider community.

Case study: Project Winfra (Wildcat Infrastructure) – medical and dental technical accommodation
As part of the wider £100M project to enhance infrastructure at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, we managed the design and construction of a new-build dental centre, a refurbished medical centre and rehabilitation gym, and a new-build ambulance garage. We undertook the early-stage design of all works and the procurement and management of the detailed design development and construction using a Design & Build Contractor from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) national construction framework.

The security and intelligence agencies of the UK and its allies require strategic decision making, transformational projects and sensitive infrastructure to deliver full operational capability to support the defence of the realm. We work with strategic partners and clients to drive change and improvements, including through the development of strategic roadmaps.

We can help with:

• Portfolio, programme, project, commercial and cost management
• Programme/portfolio management office and project controls
• Transformational and change management
• Design, engineering and construction supervision

Case study: NATO Alliance Future Surveillance and Control – strategic decision-making through technology roadmapping
As part of the Boeing ABILITI Consortium, we are supporting NATO to redefine how it will conduct aerial surveillance following the retirement of the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet in 2035. We conducted technology roadmapping for over 20 constituent systems capable of providing future surveillance.

The defence sector owns and controls a significant estate (2% of all land in the UK), so has a role to play in nature conservation and custodianship. Storing information on the legal status, ecology and natural characteristics of land is particularly important when it is considered for development or sale.

Our solutions:
Available through our Moata platform, Moata Land Management is a simple and easy to use GIS-based solution for keeping and maintaining land information. It removes the need for multiple spreadsheets and transferring land and engagement data between different parties by supplying a cradle to grave system. You can effectively plan, manage and perform surveys, and record engagement with stakeholders, in one system leading to a cost reduction of up to 20%.

Case study: Rehabilitate seawalls and shoreline, tidal basin and West Potomac Park
The new seawall design, which reconstructs 6,800 feet along the tidal basin and West Potomac Park, uses vertical steel pipe piles and pre-cast components to recreate the historic stone wall without adding load to the soil. The seawall is engineered to accommodate future sea level rise and reduce flooding, restoring the park’s original condition and enhancing the visitor experience with a wider, more resilient esplanade. Scope of work included the seawall replacement to improve resilience in severe weather events, pedestrian walkways, roadways, plantings, stormwater management to enhance utility infrastructure, permitting, geotechnical engineering, coastal engineering, and waterfront structural engineering.

Military bases are homes for soldiers, sailors, aviators and their families. High quality accommodation is important for their health and wellbeing, as well as being a secure and safe place to live. Modular designs can provide cost-effective construction and economies of scale, while being easy to maintain and adapt for future needs.

Case study: Project Winfra (Wildcat Infrastructure) at RNAS Yeovilton
We managed the design, procurement and construction of this £100M project to enhance Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton as an operational base for the Wildcat helicopter, serving both the Royal Navy and the British Army. We were responsible for procuring and managing a contractor to develop the design and construct the main works for the programme, which included over 450 units of single living accommodation.

One of the central pillars of military capability, logistics involves the transport of equipment, squadron operations, personnel, material and supplies. It requires both permanent and temporary infrastructure, and organisation that can be supported by modern digital tools and information management.

Case study: RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus – passenger and freight handling facilities
We are the Technical Service Provider for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), providing engineering, management and development services for a new passenger terminal and freight buildings. We completed the RIBA 3 design for the new, enlarged facilities which include a bigger arrivals lounge and a 445-seat departure lounge, as well as features such as solar control glazing, intelligent lighting controls and the use of solar PV renewable energy. The facility is currently under construction and we are supporting the DIO on site through the delivery process to complete a facility that is seismically compliant, meets user requirements, achieves DREAM Excellent, and provides a welcoming and safe environment to military personnel and their families arriving at and departing from RAF Akrotiri.

Regular maintenance for vehicles, ships and aircraft requires accessible, secure facilities and appropriately sized workshops that incorporate fire safety, ventilation and temperature control. Maintenance infrastructure should ideally be developed alongside equipment programmes to accommodate any newly developed equipment.

Case study: Leuchars Station Army Basing Programme Phase 5
We developed the designs for new and refurbished facilities that converted a former RAF base for use by the British Army. The project included office accommodation, vehicle inspection, garaging and workshops, and specialist storage facilities. We drew on our experience in architectural, civil, structural and building services design, together with our environmental, sustainability and cost analysis expertise, to design modern and compliant facilities, obtain planning and listed building consents and deliver all tender documentation for business case approval.

Case study: Supporting rapid deployment at Camp Perry
For this new Red Horse Logistics Complex at Camp Perry Air National Guard Station in Port Clinton, OH, we provided comprehensive architectural and engineering services in support of the 200th Red Horse Squadron’s mission readiness. Developed in close coordination with the Ohio Air National Guard, the facility consolidates logistics, vehicle maintenance, and administrative functions into a single complex with distinct zones for administration, a supply warehouse, and a maintenance shop. It includes specialized features such as POL storage, loading docks, and a Combat Arms Training and Maintenance area, with site planning that supports large vehicle access and rapid deployment. By aligning with the Squadron’s operational needs, the project enhances their ability to mobilize quickly and maintain mission-critical equipment.

The UK’s nuclear submarine fleet, which includes the continuous at sea deterrent, needs to be accompanied by infrastructure that is also continuously available for operation. That means careful management of maintenance needs, and a relentless focus on safety, security and the environment. We are supporting the developing infrastructure needs for the new Dreadnought and SSN Aukus class submarines, both in the UK and Australia.

Case study: HMNB Clyde Nuclear Support Hub
As part of a £750m programme to upgrade existing services and facilities at HM Naval Base Clyde, we designed a replacement nuclear waste processing facility, the Nuclear Support Hub. This encompasses a liquid effluent treatment plant (ETP), nuclear repair active workshop, docking pontoon and discharge pipeline, allowing the safe and environmental disposal of nuclear waste from the naval base for decades to come.

Case study: AUKUS Pillar I: Sub Rotational Force West – HMAS Stirling Nuclear Infrastructure Design Independent Peer Review and Technical Advisory
HMAS Stirling is on Garden Island Western Australia. It plays a key role in Pillar I of AUKUS by being the first Naval base in Australia that will be equipped to provide in water maintenance to the UK and US conventionally armed nuclear powered submarines. Mott MacDonald were engaged to provide Technical Advice on Nuclear Infrastructure delivery and regulation in respect to the HMAS Stirling Site. They sought our support to ensure that the design of new nuclear and radiological facilities is deliverable, technically suitable, regulatory compliant and in line with best international practices with respect to nuclear safety and security. We were deeply involved in the development of an accelerated approach to Siting Characterisation and Evaluation, bringing experts from across UK and Europe (inc. geotechnical, geophysical, external hazards, licensing) as required to support the emerging Licence Applicant.

Specialist working buildings and facilities are required across every military domain, including offices and stores for vehicles, equipment, weapons and ammunition. Working closely with end users and stakeholders ensures we understand and meet their particular needs.

Case study: Leuchars Station Army Basing Programme Phase 5
We developed the designs for new and refurbished facilities that converted a former RAF base for use by the British Army. The project included office accommodation, vehicle inspection, garaging and workshops, and specialist storage facilities. We drew on our experience in architectural, civil, structural and building services design, together with our environmental, sustainability and cost analysis expertise, to design modern and compliant facilities, obtain planning and listed building consents and delivered all tender documentation for business case approval.

Generating renewable energy supports resilience and security as well as saving money and making operations more sustainable. The availability of land on the defence estate makes solar PV a particularly attractive option, whether through grid or private wire connections. Utilities and site-wide infrastructure are crucial to supporting existing and new facilities, such as high-voltage (HV) power supplies, wastewater and drainage systems or public services.

Case study: Solar energy for a net-zero future
We are supporting development and delivery of a portfolio of solar PV projects for a public sector client on land that it owns across the UK. We carried out a high-level assessment of the technical feasibility of installation across 25 sites and identified risks, opportunities and priorities for roll-out, as well as providing technical and commercial expertise. Working closely with the client, we achieved concept designs for nine of the most attractive sites.

When delivering infrastructure for classified projects, contractors and suppliers are subject to a higher level of security clearance, and must understand the physical and technical security specifications and best practices required to meet user standards, including for users of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF).

Our experience:
We have provided client-side support in the design and construction management of secure facilities for mixed use across multiple locations for multiple end users, including both SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities) and SAPF (Special Access Program Facility) facilities.

Sport and exercise facilities keep service personnel fit and healthy, both physically and mentally, helping with injury rehabilitation and developing teamwork. Facilities also benefit service personnel’s families and can add social value to infrastructure projects through local community use. We can support you with the broad spectrum of facilities, including gyms and rehabilitation facilities, pitches and courts (eg football and rugby pitches and tennis courts) and outdoor recreational areas.

Case study: RAF Lossiemouth Aircraft Operating Surfaces – social outcomes partnership
The Volker Fitzpatrick-Mott MacDonald partnership, which delivered the RAF Lossiemouth Aircraft Operating Surfaces (AOS) project for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), made a commitment to leave a positive legacy to the local community. Elgin Sports Community Trust (ESCT), a charity set up in 2017 in response to the lack of sports pitches and facilities in the Moray area, was selected as a charity partner, and the partnership invested in the design and installation of artificial turf football pitches.

Like any large enterprise, defence organisations often need to implement strategic change to articulate a new vision for improving efficiencies and effectiveness and to ensure employees, stakeholders and commercial partners buy into it. Change programmes are always challenging and require leadership, planning, communication and accountability.

Case study: Transforming project management at Babcock
Together with joint venture partners, we helped transform Babcock’s portfolio, programme and project management (P3M) function, based at HM Naval Base Devonport, which is delivering 14 major projects in the nuclear sector. Using a five-pronged framework (people, organisation, process, information and technology), we created a world class project delivery organisation that integrates people, ways of working and technology to successfully deliver predictable outcomes, focusing on consistency in approach and enhanced project assurance. This now informs Babcock’s Group-wide Global Project Management Framework across all four sectors within the business.

As new and developing equipment is acquired and comes online, or is moved to another location, infrastructure needs to be considered simultaneously. Adapting and modernising existing infrastructure, and building new infrastructure where necessary, will ensure a continuously operational and fully functioning military capability. Robust programme management, including costing and scheduling, together with collaboration and stakeholder management, is crucial for major infrastructure improvement programmes to ensure that delivery timescales coincide.

Case study: Typhoon maintenance facility, RAF Coningsby
We provided project management, architectural design, performance specifications and contractor and site supervision for a state-of-the-art facility designed to maintain and service the Typhoon aircraft at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. The specialist build included an aircraft hangar, 10 maintenance bays and offices, and workshops to house support facilities. An avionic regional centre was also constructed for the sensitive electronic equipment used to control the aircraft. The project was delivered on time and within budget and the facility has achieved a ‘very good’ DREAM rating.

All military personnel require training, but methods and modes of training and the selection of an appropriate learning environment is highly dependent on their role. By engaging closely with end users, we can help you find the correct mix of classroom, practical and virtual modes, in accordance with country-specific security requirements.

Case study: Training projects at HM Naval Base Clyde
We designed three bespoke training facilities for the Royal Navy at HMNB Clyde that will allow the Royal Navy Submarine Service to consolidate submarine training into one location for the first time. The facilities consist of a submarine escape, rescue, abandonment and survival facility, providing underwater experiential training, a five-storey submariner’s school, featuring classrooms, workshops, laboratories, experiential learning equipment and welfare facilities, and a specialised training facility offering a mix of classroom and experiential workshops to support the new class of submarine entering service.

Case study: Enhancing mission readiness at Fort Indiantown Gap
Working as part of a joint venture, we provided a full suite of engineering services for a new operations, training, and dining facility at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, supporting the 201st Red Horse Squadron and associated National Guard training units. The facility includes a Medical Training Suite, a Unit Deployment Control Center, offices, and a multipurpose dining area accommodating up to 200 personnel. The project incorporated sustainable design, met DoD Unified Facilities Criteria and Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection standards, and was delivered within 1% of the government estimate despite a complex bidding process.  The result is an energy-efficient, modern facility that enhances operations, supports training excellence.