A new UK flight test capability designed to trial aircraft defensive systems in real-world conditions has been developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, working with industry partners.
Known as EREBUS, the system allows defensive aid systems to be tested in live flight before being integrated onto frontline aircraft.
Defensive aid systems are used to detect and counter threats such as radar-guided and infrared missiles. Traditionally, much of their development relies on laboratory and simulation work, with full integration onto operational aircraft representing a costly and higher-risk stage.
EREBUS is intended to address that gap by enabling full-system testing in realistic conditions earlier in the development cycle. According to Dstl, this approach is designed to reduce integration risk, shorten timelines and lower costs, while allowing configurations to be optimised before installation on in-service platforms.
The capability has been developed with QinetiQ and incorporates several UK-developed systems under the Team Pellonia framework. These include Thales UK’s Elix-IR infrared threat warning system, Leonardo UK’s Miysis directed infrared countermeasure, MAPPS-C controller, and the SAGE radar warning and electronic support system.
Initial flight testing was completed in October 2025, generating data to support ongoing development and assurance work. Further trials are planned, with a focus on simplifying and accelerating the integration of defensive systems onto UK military aircraft.
Thanks to Leonardo and its storm shroud range the UK offensive electronic attack capability has gone up significantly, hopefully we can get SPEAR EW into service soon to further enhance this.
It would have to be ordered first.
It’s been in service since last May with 216 squadron.