Elbit Systems UK: Powering the Future of UK Defence

At the forefront of this mission is Elbit Systems UK. The company is working closely with the UK Ministry of Defence to help drive innovation and deliver high-tech solutions to transform Britain’s capabilities.

To find out more, read below as CEO Martin Fausset shares his insights into how Elbit Systems UK is powering the future of UK defence.

Welcome Martin, and thank you for taking the time to discuss Elbit Systems UK. Can you tell us about the business and its role in the UK defence sector?

“Elbit Systems UK has grown significantly in the past few years, reflecting both Britain’s increased need for security and our long-standing relationship with the UK Ministry of Defence.

“As of 2024, we employ nearly 700 people across 15 sites nation-wide and have invested over £30 million into the UK market since 2019. This investment continues to create high-skilled jobs across all parts of the UK as well as ensuring supply chain security and manufacturing facilities to support UK defence.

“ESUK brings a dynamic, agile, and innovative culture that is focused on integrating the best Israeli technology into UK defence” Fausset adds. “Our extensive portfolio supports all three branches of the UK Armed Forces, providing them with state-of-the-art capabilities that ensure Britain remains secure at home and strong abroad.”

How does ESUK adapt technology to meet the specific needs of the British Armed Forces?

“ESUK transfers the technology and expertise from Israel and tailors it to fit the unique requirements of the British Armed Forces. This model is applied across the breadth of the defence sector, such as UAS, providing high-tech ISR platforms to the British Armed Forces.  This, however, hasn’t been the only place where we have used this model – we have also seen great successes with the Night Vision Goggles we develop for the British Armed Forces and the training solutions that are delivering better trained personnel to the frontline.

“A key part of the solutions we offer is using an open system architecture to future-proof equipment and simplify operations. For instance, as part of our work on the British Army Human Machine Teaming trials, we’ve implemented an open architecture across our UAS platforms, making it easier for operators to use the systems and reduce the training demand.

“This approach means that direct benefits are seen and felt in the UK”. In particular, Fausset points out that enhancing the UK’s sovereign defence manufacturing capabilities is a strategic advantage that cannot be understated in today’s geopolitical climate.

On the business’ commitment to the UK, Fausset stresses that, “Our aim is to ensure that the UK is provided with high-tech equipment to protect and train service personnel, keeping them safe on the front line and ensuring they have the ability to detect and deal with threats”, adding that the company has trained thousands of British and allied soldiers in recent years.

Training and simulation seems to be a significant offering from Elbit Systems UK. Can you elaborate on the company’s work in this field?

“Training is a critical element of what we do for the UK Armed Forces. By utilising cutting-edge technology, our synthetic training solutions offer a safe way to prepare serving personnel for complex operations without having impacts on ammunition stockpiles.

“One of our key training solutions is the Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer, an immersive system used by all branches of the Armed Forces to train Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. To date, over 9,000 hours of high-fidelity training have been delivered using this system across bases including Royal School of Artillery at Larkhill, and the Air Ground Operations School at RAF Leeming.

“Another example is the Interim Combined Arms Virtual Simulation (Deployed) (ICAVS(D)) system, which was introduced into the British Army in 2022, providing highly immersive and tactical training, with the platform deployed across Europe to support troops on Operation CABRIT – the UK’s contribution to NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Estonia and Poland.

“However, one of our most impressive training capabilities is the IIDFS integrator simulator that is in development for the Army’s 81mm mortars and 105mm Light Gun. In a first for the British Army, this system provides simulated ammunition alongside a high-tech interface for real-time communication between instructors and military personnel. Shifting this training from the range to a synthetic environment will not only make training safer but help reduce the strain on live ammunition supplies”.

Fausset added “The training that we offer isn’t just for the British Army, we provide a series of training programmes for the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. For the Navy, Elbit Systems UK is part of Team Fisher and acts as the synthetic training integrator on Project Selborne – the Navy’s programme to modernise shore-based training for sailors and Marines. For the Royal Air Force, Elbit Systems UK’s joint venture Affinity provide three fleets of the aircraft to train pilots progressing through the Military Flying Training Scheme. Affinity work to ensure that planes are maintained effectively and ready for use to keep pilots training.

We have talked about training and simulation in some detail, but what are some of the other key programmes that Elbit Systems UK is working on with the British Armed Forces?

“While training is a major part of our work, our portfolio extends far beyond that. For example, we have established a Centre of Excellence for electro-optics in Kent, producing night vision goggles at a rate of 300 units per month for the British Army and allied nations.

“Through the MEWSIC programme with Babcock, we’re delivering advanced electronic warfare capabilities to the Royal Navy. We also supply experimental and operational UAS platforms that are currently in use with elite forces within the British Army.

“These are just a few examples of the wide range of contracts that we currently supply to the British Armed Forces. For us, being able to provide a holistic offering to front line commands is helping to bolster the equipment used by the end user, keeping them safer on the front line.

Finally, can you share any insights into what the business has planned for the next year?

“Our team has been doing some fantastic work and we see opportunity for growth. We will continue to build on our successes over the past year, equipping the UK Armed Forces with the tools to train and protect their teams, as well as giving those on the front line the ability to analyse and deal with the changing threat environment.

“A big priority for us this year will be presenting the Sling 120mm Mortar system to the UK market. Sling is our proven 120mm mortar platform delivering enhanced deployability, lethality and survivability for light forces. Built to integrate with most light platforms including the Supacat Jackal, Sling offers shoot-and-scoot capabilities meaning it can be fired and redeployed before counter battery is possible – essential tactics for survivability on the modern battlefield.

“Outside of this, our focus remains on continuing to provide our high-tech equipment to the UK including MEWSIC, our training and simulation products, and D-JFI. We are also looking at opportunities in the UK for some of the other equipment we develop such as ReDrone, the advanced counter UAS capability. Internationally, we will continue to look for export opportunities and we are already having discussions with a number of key nations about the use of our technology.”

On growth in the UK, Fausset adds, “we want to keep attracting people who are passionate about solving tough challenges. You have to be energetic about your work. We are looking for people who are the best in their field to help solve the challenges and threats facing the UK.

“If you want to help solve some of these challenges – come and take a look at the great opportunities we have at Elbit Systems UK”.

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