The F-35 Beddown Programme involves construction and renovation of a number of buildings and infrastructure projects on the Suffolk site, including a six-bay flight simulator, an aircraft maintenance unit, new hangars, and 42 aircraft parking aprons.

At the height of construction it is expected there will be up to 700 people on site supporting the programme.

Main construction works are set to start next summer following extensive enabling works, ready for arrival of the aircraft from November 2021.

James Hindes, managing director of aviation and defence at Kier, said: “We’re extremely proud to have been appointed to deliver another prestigious defence project for the DIO.

“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.

“We look forward to working closely with the DIO and our local supply chain to provide this crucial infrastructure and deliver this exciting opportunity ready for the arrival of the two permanent squadrons.”

Chris Evans, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick’s Civils division, said: “VolkerFitzpatrick has been working with the United States Air Force at RAF Lakenheath for over ten years and we look forward to bringing the knowledge we have gained to this new contract.

“The project will allow us to build on our substantial experience within the civil airports and defence sector, to deliver the highest quality infrastructure for the new F-35 Fighter Jet.”

Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Commercial Director, Jacqui Rock, said: “We welcome this investment into RAF Lakenheath.

“This is an incredible opportunity for UK Defence and for the local area and DIO is pleased to be able to support the development of this key infrastructure which will make the beddown of the US F-35s possible.”