QinetiQ boosts electronic warfare test and training capability

QinetiQ has invested in a cutting-edge electronic warfare (EW) emitter system, designed to better train and prepare military personnel for real life scenarios in increasingly complex threat environments. The mobile system, acquired from Canadian company D-TA Systems, will be deployed at compatible MOD sites operated by QinetiQ under the Long-Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA).

The new emitter complements QinetiQ’s established operational test and training capability, enabling highly realistic simulation of threat-representative radar systems and electromagnetic environments. It can replicate a wide variety of adversary systems, including early warning and tracking, supporting air combat training for both legacy aircraft and fifth-generation platforms such as the F-35, as well as naval EW testing and sea-based training exercises.

Designed for adaptability, the system can be deployed across the country, expanding QinetiQ’s ability to support diverse customer needs for real-life scenarios. Its wideband frequency coverage, high signal fidelity and flexible configuration allow crews to train against sophisticated and evolving threats, while enabling rigorous system testing and validation in controlled, repeatable conditions.

Simon Galt, Managing Director, Air, QinetiQ said: “By integrating advanced electronic warfare capabilities, we are enhancing how the military prepare for these evolving threats, enabling them to train and operate with greater confidence and effectiveness.”

“This investment reinforces our commitment to continually enhancing our test and training capabilities, strengthening both delivery of the LTPA contract and a broad range of defence programmes for our customers.”

The emitter also supports intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance training, including sensor cueing and detection exercises, and enables high-fidelity, repeatable training missions through advanced radio frequency (RF) signature replication. This ensures crews can practice identifying, responding to and defeating realistic threats.

Demand for sophisticated EW threat training continues to grow and this investment reinforces QinetiQ’s commitment to delivering agile, future-focused solutions to support the UK and its allied nations to be warfighting ready, while strengthening its long-term position in advanced defence test and training services.