RAF Benson has been handed a major boost following the announcement of a new multi-million-pound contract to support its Merlin helicopters.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) yesterday announced a six-year, £367m agreement with Rolls-Royce Turbomeca to maintain the Army’s Merlin and Apache helicopters.

In June the MoD announced the RAF’s fleet of Merlin helicopters was pulling out of Afghanistan and returning to Oxfordshire after four years of service.

Their return was celebrated by the local community. The MoD said the new contract means more work will be carried out at the four bases where the Apaches and Merlins operate, including RAF Benson.

Group Captain Nigel Colman, Station Commander of RAF Benson and Merlin and Puma Force Commander said it was very positive news ensuring that the RAF Merlin Force was well supported into the future “as we continue to provide essential helicopter lift capability to the British Army”.