Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • AERALIS secures strategic collaboration with Babcock

Defence Events

AERALIS secures strategic collaboration with Babcock

Bristol based light jet company AERALIS, has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Babcock France to explore the operation of flexible aircraft 'as a service' enabled by the design of AERALIS’ modular aircraft system.


 
Image courtesy AERALIS

The agreement seeks to outline the value of a transformational delivery operating model for making different AERALIS aircraft configurations available to air forces as a service, including how this could support future flexible and affordable combat air support and training constructs ready for fifth and sixth generation combat air.

Advertisement
ODU RT

AERALIS and Babcock will look to develop flexible solutions compatible with a number of current and future operational requirements, including using Babcock’s existing pedigree in both the UK and France to offer a clear response in support of March’s UK France Joint Leaders’ Declaration concerning Anglo-French interoperability of future air systems.   

Babcock France is currently under contract with the French MOD to deliver both Advanced and Lead-in training assets, including aircraft and simulation. In this field, Babcock partners with Dassault Aviation in France to provide a complete system to the French Air Force delivering world-class training to upcoming jet pilots and weapons systems officers. Babcock is also a lead partner in Ascent flight training, delivering flying training to pilots and air crew to the three services of the UK armed forces.
 
The list of AERALIS partners has continued to grow and this comes after an agreement was signed with France-based RED Air provider STDS in April this year complementing AERALIS’s existing agreements with both AirTanker and Ascent flight training, further strengthening AERALIS’ market position in Europe.  

Advertisement
ODU RT

Babcock Chief Executive Aviation and France Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Basquin said: “Innovation is key for Babcock, due to the nature of the critical and challenging operations we are delivering to our customers. Working with Aeralis, an agile partner with a strong vision for 'out of the box' solutions, will help us to find the best platform for the future military flight training opportunities we have in Aviation”.

AERALIS’s founder & CEO Tristan Crawford commented: “AERALIS is delighted to have signed this Memorandum of Understanding with Babcock to explore a highly innovative aircraft service offering in the light fast jet aviation sector. Babcock is set to become an important partner as part of developing AERALIS’s exciting service offering across multiple opportunities in the defence aviation market.”

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
New training targets installed at Holbeach

Defence

New training targets installed at Holbeach

18 June 2026

Two new repurposed marine vessel targets have been successfully delivered and installed at Holbeach Air Weapons Range (AWR), to enhance Defence training.

Serco and StaplesVR partner on immersive training for NZDF

Defence

Serco and StaplesVR partner on immersive training for NZDF

18 June 2026

Serco New Zealand recently formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with StaplesVR, bringing together immersive technology and operational training expertise to support the future training capabilities of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

BAE Systems awarded US Army M109A7 Paladin contract

Defence

BAE Systems awarded US Army M109A7 Paladin contract

17 June 2026

BAE Systems has received a contract award valued at $535 million to produce additional M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzers and M992A3 Ammunition Carriers for the US Army.

QinetiQ joins UK Quantum Growth Alliance

Defence Security

QinetiQ joins UK Quantum Growth Alliance

17 June 2026

QinetiQ has been invited to join the UK Quantum Growth Alliance, a new government–industry partnership bringing together senior representatives from leading British companies to accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies across the UK.

Advertisement
ODU RT
IDV showcases latest UGV innovations at Eurosatory 2026

Defence Events

IDV showcases latest UGV innovations at Eurosatory 2026

17 June 2026

At Eurosatory 2026 in Paris this week, IDV has been showcasing its latest innovations in uncrewed ground vehicle platforms, alongside a simulation of uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) integration into battlefield command and control centres.

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

Aerospace Defence

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

17 June 2026

Wall Colmonoy Ltd has officially launched a £2.5 million Vacuum Precision Investment Casting (VPIC) facility in South Wales, contributing to the advancement of the UK’s aerospace and defence manufacturing capability.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner