Babcock International and Turkish defence firm Aselsan have entered into an agreement to explore options for enhancing the Royal Air Force’s electronic warfare training capabilities.
The collaboration will assess a potential Surface Electronic Warfare Threat training system as part of the RAF’s Next Generation Operational Training programme, which seeks to update how UK aircrew prepare for operations in contested air environments. The programme aims to replicate advanced threat conditions without the need for extensive live exercises.
The move aligns with the UK’s effort to strengthen training for high-threat scenarios as adversaries field more capable air defence and electronic warfare systems.
Under the agreement, the companies will evaluate the feasibility of developing a system capable of emulating modern integrated air defence networks, including radar and surface-to-air missile threats. This would enable aircrew to train using realistic and adaptable electronic warfare simulations.
Babcock will leverage its background in military training delivery and operational support, while Aselsan brings its electronic warfare system expertise. Any future capability would depend on UK Ministry of Defence approval, with no schedule or funding details announced at this stage.
