Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Babcock invests in military driver training

Defence

Babcock invests in military driver training

Babcock has announced it is to invest in a research and development project to support the future of military driver training.

Image courtesy Babcock

Military drivers need to be prepared for a wide range of situations, which can be difficult to replicate, for example, how to respond to a tyre blow out, varying terrains, driving at night or in foreign countries with unknown road signs.

Babcock has signed an agreement with VRAI, Novatech and Bohemia to investigate how technology can be used to create training environments at scale which are focussed on the user experience, insight intensive and can be used to train quickly, effectively and reach competence at accelerated rates.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Working with SMEs, academia and industry innovation partners, Babcock will explore how simulation and innovative modelling technologies can provide an alternative to traditional training methods, while helping to reduce environmental impact, costs and deliver training where it is needed.

Jo Rayson, Managing Director for Babcock’s training business, said: “There can be many challenges delivering military driver training, including how individuals maintain their skills once qualified, the availability of training platforms, or difficult to replicate operational environments. Babcock is investing in this project to investigate simulation as a realistic way of delivering this essential training capability, driving down costs and reducing the impact traditional training has on the environment.

“We are not tied to any one solution or approach. We are focussed on finding the right answers, using the right technology and harnessing it for greatest impact at the lowest cost.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Niall Campion, Managing Director for Product & Customers at VRAI, said: “At VRAI, we believe that data is the untapped resource in simulation training and have developed HEAT to turn this resource into actionable insights. We are delighted to be able to work with Babcock to bring this pioneering technology to driver training.

"By capturing structured training data, the project team will not only be able to assess individual trainee performance but also that of the simulator in general, providing objective, actionable insights when considering the potential future impact of the research.”

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

Defence

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

22 May 2026

QinetiQ has increased the capacity of its vessel testing facility with the addition of a new water tank that will enable larger uncrewed mine hunting vessels’ magnetic fields to be measured and lowered to counter underwater threats.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

Defence

Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

22 May 2026

Hexagon’s Portable Metrology Division has introduced a new wireless probe that adds contact measurement to its high-speed HYPERSCAN large-volume laser scanning system, improving productivity during alignment, inspection and reporting.

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

Defence

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems Bofors, which signed a purchase agreement to acquire Swedish supplier of precision mechanics and advanced component machining for aerospace and defence products, Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB in February 2026, has now completed the acquisition.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner