The new centre at the Royal Naval Air Service base at Yeovilton will contain pools to train personnel in escaping from a submerged aircraft or amphibious vehicle

The deal was let through the DIO’s Next Generation Estates Contracts (NGEC) National Capital Works Framework.

Construction of the dunk tanks forms part of the MOD’s commitment to modernise the military infrastructure and ensure the best possible safety training for the UK’s Armed Forces.

Simon Jones, Project Manager at the DIO said: “Building this facility is an important part of our commitment to world-class military training and the signing of this contract is an important first milestone in this process.

“Building work will commence shortly and we aim to hand the facility over to the Royal Navy in December 2017.”

Keith Yarham, Defence Director for Galliford Try added: “It is fantastic news that the DIO has entrusted us with delivering such a vital operational facility at RNAS Yeovilton for them.

“Defence has been identified as a key sector for our business and we are delighted to have secured this first success through the NGEC framework and look forward to working with our partners at DIO to produce a top-class facility for our servicemen and women.”