General Atomics

QinetiQ delivers 10,000th Banshee

QinetiQ has produced its 10,000th Banshee aerial training target, reinforcing its position as a specialist in advanced threat representation and mission-readiness training.



Image courtesy QinetiQ

The Banshee is a cost-effective Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) designed for threat representation and operational training. It is used by more than 40 nations and can emulate crewed aircraft, missiles and other UAVs.

Produced at QinetiQ’s manufacturing facility in the southeast of England, the Banshee platform plays a critical role in military training exercises, including Formidable Shield, which is currently taking place off the northwest coast of Scotland. Capable of flying at speeds of up to 200 metres per second, the Banshee is used to represent various aerial threats and more recently, to generate drone swarms replicating real life threats as seen in Ukraine and the Red Sea.

QinetiQ offers a range of Banshee targets, including the Banshee Whirlwind, Jet 40+ and Jet 80+ variants. Each can be customised with optional payloads to simulate threats for various defence applications across maritime, air-to-air and land-to-air combat training.

Will Blamey, Chief Executive, QinetiQ UK Defence, said: “Building 10,000 Banshees is more than a production achievement, it’s a symbol of our global impact on defence preparedness.

“We are proud that every Banshee produced contributes to sharpening the operational readiness of our customers. With its customisable payloads and technology advancements, the Banshee is a realistic, adaptable and scalable training tool that continues to evolve, ensuring military readiness against evolving threats.”

Related

UK Finance Minister signals support for London Heathrow Airport’s £33 billion runway expansion
London Heathrow
UK Finance Minister signals support for London Heathrow Airport’s £33 billion runway expansion
In contrast to the cautious response of the UK Prime Minister, Chancellor John Healey has backed Heathrow's expansion plans.
Aerospace

17 Oct 2026

Marshall Aerospace outlines its next chapter following AURELIUS acquisition
Marshall Aerospace
Marshall Aerospace outlines its next chapter following AURELIUS acquisition
Speaking exclusively to Advance, Marshall Aerospace discusses its military aircraft contracts, manufacturing priorities and search for a new home following the takeover.
Aerospace Insights

17 Oct 2026

17,000 aircraft on order: How does the industry actually clear the backlog?
Boeing 737 factory in Renton
17,000 aircraft on order: How does the industry actually clear the backlog?
Aircraft manufacturers are under pressure to deliver faster, but supply-chain constraints continue to hold production back. What will it take to turn growing orderbooks into aircraft ready to fly?
Aerospace

17 Oct 2026

UK defence is moving faster. Can its legal frameworks keep pace?
UK defence is moving faster. Can its legal frameworks keep pace?
As UK defence procurement accelerates, legal experts at Crowell & Moring explore how businesses can seize opportunities while managing legal risk.
Defence Insights

17 Oct 2026

From trials to frontline capability: Accelerating AI adoption in UK defence
Jack Maxton headshot
From trials to frontline capability: Accelerating AI adoption in UK defence
Jack Maxton, CEO of DIGI2AL, argues that faster experimentation, closer industry collaboration and a shift in mindset can help the MOD turn AI ambitions into operational advantage.
BAE Systems to design satellite comms terminals for US Space Force
Satellite
BAE Systems to design satellite comms terminals for US Space Force
Building on its space-hardened family of software-defined radios, BAE Systems will develop resilient ultra-compact radio-frequency (RF) terminals for the US Space Force.
Defence Member News

16 Oct 2026

Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
ALL.SPACE Hydra
Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
Viasat has placed an order for multiple ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX terminals approved to operate on Viasat's global NextGen Ka-band network, providing resilient SATCOM connectivity for defence and government users.
Defence Member News Space

15 Oct 2026

Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Goonhilly satellite near Cornwall Space Cluster
Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Cornwall Space Cluster has partnered with Stephens Scown to offer specialist legal advice to space businesses, helping them protect intellectual property, prepare for investment and support future growth.
Space

15 Oct 2026

ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
ClearSpace removing space debris
ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
The UK-led programme will remove two defunct satellites while creating specialist jobs, supporting supply chains and building capability in the growing in-orbit services sector.
Space

15 Oct 2026

Police officers risk accidental AI misconduct, watchdog warns
National Police Chiefs Council photo of police on duty
Police officers risk accidental AI misconduct, watchdog warns
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has warned that officers and staff risk misconduct investigations for inappropriate AI use.
Security

16 Oct 2026

NAD and CDS want accelerated capability as DSEI UK 27 launched
NAD and CDS launch DSEI UK 27
NAD and CDS want accelerated capability as DSEI UK 27 launched
As the National Armaments Director (NAD) and the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) launched DSEI UK 2027 yesterday, they said faster capability delivery, greater innovation and improved readiness are required to ensure the UK and its allies are suitably prepared for any future conflict.
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
Chat with AI or Artificial Intelligence technology. Man touching chatting virtual with an intelligent artificial intelligence asks for the answers he wants. Smart assistant futuristic, Chatbot,
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
An eight-agent system checks investigation records against policing standards, with officers retaining responsibility for decisions.
Security

14 Oct 2026