BAE Systems and TUALCOM to develop autonomous technologies

The UK’s biggest defence company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TUALCOM to explore collaboration on technologies that will enable the next generation of autonomous air capabilities to thrive in the modern battlespace.

The agreement between BAE Systems and TUALCOM establishes a strategic framework for both organisations to investigate opportunities to integrate advanced communications, resilient navigation and electronic warfare (EW) technologies into future autonomous platforms, supporting customers in the UK, Türkiye and international markets.

Why reliable comms and resilient systems are key to future autonomous platforms

As defence customers increasingly seek autonomous systems capable of operating in contested and degraded environments, this collaboration will explore technologies that support reliable communications where traditional communications and navigation may be denied.

Dave Holmes, Managing Director, BAE Systems’ FalconWorks division, said: “Future autonomous capability will depend not only on advanced aircraft but on the resilience of the systems that enable them to sense, communicate and make decisions in increasingly contested environments.

“This collaboration will bring together complementary expertise that will help us accelerate the development of sovereign, exportable technologies and deliver meaningful capability to our customers.”

Technology solutions for challenging operational environments

Ali Pastonoglu, Chief Executive Officer of TUALCOM, said: “TUALCOM has invested significantly in developing and manufacturing RF communications, assured navigation and electronic warfare technologies designed to perform in the most demanding operational conditions.

“Working alongside BAE Systems creates an exciting opportunity to combine our respective strengths, accelerate innovation and develop technologies that will underpin the next generation of autonomous defence systems.”

The collaboration reflects the growing strategic relationship between the United Kingdom and Türkiye in advanced aerospace and defence technologies and reinforces both organisations’ commitment to rapid innovation through industrial partnerships.

This work will be delivered through FalconWorks, the advanced research and technology business within BAE Systems’ Air sector.

Teams from FalconWorks and TUALCOM will initially identify advanced development opportunities focused on resilient autonomy, enabling rapid evaluation of concepts before progressing quickly into future programmes.