The Government has announced it intends to almost treble the commitment bonus for those who remain in uniform for eight years to a maximum of £15,000.

Wittering base spokesman Squadron Leader Tony Walsh said the move would help the RAF hang on to its highly-trained technicians, among other key members.

He said: "We are a very technocratic air force, and use the latest technology in avionics, airframes and armaments, and for people working in those areas the educational requirements are quite high.

"Anything which helps us to retain them is welcome, not only for their skills, but for the experience they have gained as they progressed."

Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne announced the hike in the bonus.

He said the new incentive scheme will be open from 2009/10 to personnel below officer level who have notched up four years in uniform.

It is designed to persuade them to stay in their jobs for up to eight years, at which point the maximum bonus will be available.

Also unveiled by Mr Browne was a £20 million pilot initiative to offer more affordable home ownership to the armed forces.

The exact details of how it will work have yet to be finalised, however.