Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Latest cohort of Ukrainian fighter jet pilots complete EFT

Defence Events

Latest cohort of Ukrainian fighter jet pilots complete EFT

Babcock joined the latest cohort of Ukrainian fighter jet pilots last week at a graduation ceremony marking the completion of their Elementary Flying Training (EFT).

Image courtesy Babcock / MoD Crown Copyright 2024

Babcock continue providing vital support to the Ukrainian Air Force. Aircraft availability is crucial to military operations and Babcock team is by the Royal Air Force’s side, ensuring the UK’s best flying instructors have everything they need to train Ukraine’s next generation of fast-jet pilots.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The graduation ceremony marked the completion of the Elementary Flying Training (EFT) phase of the programme for trainee Ukrainian pilots who are preparing to fly F-16 fighter jets. With 24 pilots having gone through the training to date, this was the third ceremony of its kind this year.

This intense training, under the guidance and world-leading expertise of RAF instructors, includes basic flying, ground school and language training in preparation for protecting Ukraine’s skies.

Babcock supply the Grob Tutor aircraft, including all the technical and operational support functions, ensuring aircraft availability is 100%.

Advertisement
ODU RT

This is a key UK contribution to the Air Capability Coalition, which is helping build an air force of modern fighter jets to form the cornerstone of Ukraine’s armed forces.

Also, as a capability partner, Babcock is providing critical support for Ukraine’s military operations across all domains.

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Dstl assesses robotic systems in hazardous incident recovery trial

Defence

Dstl assesses robotic systems in hazardous incident recovery trial

17 April 2026

In a ‘real life’ scenario played out in an empty shopping unit, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has tested the ability of robotic and autonomous systems to navigate through a building and detect, sample and remediate (clean) a contaminated environment.

QinetiQ pays aerial tribute to iconic Spitfire

Defence Events

QinetiQ pays aerial tribute to iconic Spitfire

17 April 2026

The QinetiQ operated ETPS test pilot school based at MoD Boscombe Down has taken part in the historic Spitfire90 commemorative tour, as the only civilian-registered participants in the nine-day national flight schedule.

SitaWare Headquarters introduces Joint Fires and Targeting capabilities

Defence

SitaWare Headquarters introduces Joint Fires and Targeting capabilities

16 April 2026

Systematic has introduced within SitaWare Headquarters 6.22, a dedicated Targeting Application that brings the targeting process into the same C4ISR environment used for operational planning, situational awareness and mission execution.

Thales launches TopStar Smart Receiver

Defence

Thales launches TopStar Smart Receiver

16 April 2026

Thales has launched its TopStar Smart Receiver, a three-in-one ultra-compact solution providing land forces with resilient positioning, navigation and timing capabilities, while maintaining radio communications in increasingly contested electronic warfare environments.

Advertisement
ODU RT
UK to deliver large drone package to Ukraine

Defence Security

UK to deliver large drone package to Ukraine

15 April 2026

The UK has announced the biggest ever drone package for Ukraine, delivering at least 120,000 drones for Ukraine this year and driving growth and jobs across the UK.

Boeing secures UK Apache and Chinook support contract

Defence

Boeing secures UK Apache and Chinook support contract

15 April 2026

Boeing Defence UK has been awarded an historic £879 million Rotary Wing Enterprise contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), to deliver long term maintenance and support for the UK’s Apache and Chinook fleets.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner