Babcock has signed an MoU with Turkish defence electronics specialist ASELSAN to explore the Royal Air Force’s requirement for a Surface Electronic Warfare Threat training system under the Next Generation Operational Training programme.
The proposed Surface Electronic Warfare Threat system would provide advanced simulation of modern Integrated Air Defence Systems, supporting the UK’s objective to enhance operational readiness across its forces. The capability is intended to replicate contemporary threat environments, enabling aircrew to train against realistic and increasingly sophisticated electronic warfare scenarios.
Joint Venture
Under the agreement, Babcock and ASELSAN will develop a joint approach to the opportunity, focused on delivering a scalable and realistic simulation capability aligned to the pace and complexity of modern military flying operations. The collaboration will combine Babcock’s operational and systems integration experience with ASELSAN’s electronic warfare expertise.
Austin Lewis, Vice President Future Business at Babcock, said: “The demands on aircrew are ever increasing and we are focused on ensuring they have the best training to support these evolving needs. Through this MOU, we are exploring how our complementary strengths with ASELSAN could align to support the RAF’s future training requirements.
“This collaboration allows us to assess potential routes together, bringing technical insight and integrated systems expertise into a shared effort to understand how dependable training capabilities for aircrew could be shaped.”
Lasting Partnership
Erhan Ülgen, Business Development and Marketing Director for Europe and America at ASELSAN, said: “ASELSAN is excited to establish and sustain a lasting partnership with Babcock supporting the SEWT as part of NGOT. Our globally tested and proven expertise in electronic warfare will create great value for the RAF and ensure readiness of air crews in the face of modern and future challenges. Bringing together ASELSAN and Babcock’s key strengths will secure a cutting edge and sustainable solution for the RAF’s training needs.”
The Next Generation Operational Training programme forms part of the RAF’s wider effort to modernise and future proof its training architecture, reflecting the growing complexity of the air domain and the expanding role of electronic warfare in contested environments.

