Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Nova Systems wins Super Hercules operational test contract

Defence

Nova Systems wins Super Hercules operational test contract

Nova Systems International will support the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) with Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) of C130J Super Hercules aircraft.

Image courtesy RNoAF

This is a major milestone for the company that supports operational capability delivery for the RNoAF and builds on the existing contracts with Norwegian Government departments.

Operational Flight Test and Evaluation and Introduction-into-Service Support are part of Nova Systems’ core offerings, which the company has been providing in Norway since 2015.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Nova Systems provides expertise that helps determine whether an aircraft and their systems are fit for purpose, safe and contractually compliant and provides advice in utilisation and the opportunity to highlight any shortfalls discovered during testing.

“We are delighted with the award of C130J OT&E as it is our first fixed wing project in Norway,” said Martin Alknes, General Manager for Norway.

“We will be providing a team who will work alongside 335 Squadron RNoAF in Gardermoen drawn from across Nova Systems International.

“The team will include a Project Manager, Test Pilot, Flight Test Engineers, Data Manager and ILS/Technical Consultant. Our team brings considerable operational knowledge and C130J type specific experience, along with solid Flight Test and Operational Evaluation backgrounds.

“This team composite will support RNoAF requirement to ensure that the newly updated aircraft and its systems meets the operational role and can be safely introduced into service with the required maintainability and supportability.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“Nova Systems has one of the largest flight test capabilities outside of aircraft manufacturers and government test organisations. We can provide truly independent, operationally-focused test evidence, on which clients can assess risk and provide a sound basis for their acquisition and capability decisions.”

The C130J aircraft are a vital part of the RNoAF fleet and provide strategic airlift and tactical insertion of both cargo and personnel for Norwegian armed forces and NATO.

Nova Systems’ other work in Norway includes Test and Evaluation training to RNoAF, Visure Requirements management software implementation and update support to NDMA, Orbital Launch Risk Management support to Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and SME support to Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger.

Nova Systems in Norway also supports the European Defence Agency with Critical Maritime Infrastructure Studies.
 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Babcock reviews future vehicle platforms with UK SMEs at Defence Battlelab

Defence Events

Babcock reviews future vehicle platforms with UK SMEs at Defence Battlelab

24 April 2026

Babcock International Group has brought together key suppliers for an engagement day at the Defence Battlelab in Dorset, to look at upcoming requirements for a new generation of modern off road vehicles.

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

24 April 2026

UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – has announced a new partnership with Finance for Forces to help more veteran-led businesses access the finance they need to grow internationally.

Royal Navy evaluates next-gen maritime capabilities

Defence

Royal Navy evaluates next-gen maritime capabilities

24 April 2026

Earlier this year, demonstrations to the Royal Navy were successfully conducted at SubSea Craft’s UK headquarters as part of Atlantic Bastion, a programme to make Britain more secure from threats in the North Atlantic.

Government scouts private investment to advance defence innovation

Defence

Government scouts private investment to advance defence innovation

24 April 2026

This week the UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Chancellor Rachel Reeves met with leaders from UK banking, venture capital and strategic finance, to explore how private investment can be leveraged to drive innovation and accelerate defence readiness.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thales expands Malaysian Armed Forces

Defence Events

Thales expands Malaysian Armed Forces' tactical comms

24 April 2026

In partnership with Advanced Defence Systems (ADS), Thales Malaysia is establishing a local assembly line for new-generation SYNAPS (V/UHF) Software-Defined Radios in Segamat, Johor, strengthening Thales’ local manufacturing capabilities.

UK and Indonesia launch flagship Maritime Partnership Programme

Defence

UK and Indonesia launch flagship Maritime Partnership Programme

24 April 2026

Babcock International Group, together with the British Embassy Jakarta, British Chamber of Commerce and Indonesian partners, have formally launched the Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP), a flagship agreement to deepen UK–Indonesia cooperation across maritime defence, fisheries, industrial capability and skills development.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner