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
Apache support drones get £10m boost

Defence

Apache support drones get £10m boost

18 May 2026

Fully autonomous drones which will accompany the British Army’s Apache helicopters are receiving a £10 million investment as Project NYX reaches a new milestone.

RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

Defence

RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

18 May 2026

A new Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) is being fitted to RAF Typhoons on operations in the Middle East, providing a low-cost anti-drone weapon to precisely destroy targets for a fraction of the price of missiles currently used.

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

Defence Space

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

18 May 2026

BAE Systems has delivered the sensor subassembly and sensor system controller components for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar (NGP) programme, providing advanced missile warning, technical intelligence and battlespace characterisation mission capabilities, for the US Space Force.

QinetiQ supports Typhoon counter drone missile integration

Defence

QinetiQ supports Typhoon counter drone missile integration

17 May 2026

QinetiQ has supported the RAF in rapidly integrating and testing laser guided, low-cost missiles to RAF Typhoons, which are now being used in the Middle East to defend against drone attacks.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

Defence

Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

15 May 2026

Rivelin Robotics, supported by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) expertise, has created microfactory technology that automates the slow, risky manual finishing of 3D printed parts.

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

Defence

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

15 May 2026

The UK Government is cracking down on waste and delays as defence companies are to be incentivised to deliver equipment on time and on budget with new reforms to Single Source Contract Regulations.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard