The FAST Labs^TM R&D organization innovates science, technology, and engineering breakthroughs for some of the toughest technology challenges in the defense, aerospace, power and propulsion, and security industries.

This research and development (R&D) business, within BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems sector, collaborates with business areas across the company’s global enterprise to develop and implement advanced technology capabilities in the areas of advanced electronics, autonomy, cyber, electronic warfare, and sensors and processing.

Our R&D product lines also leverage disruptive technologies found by our External Technology Scouting team, who build strong relationships with universities, venture capital firms, and startups to identify and learn about new technologies to help our customers.

FL R&D programs are funded primarily by science and technology R&D organizations within the U.S. Department of Defense, including Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), and Office of Naval Research (ONR), as well as internal R&D investments and classified customers.

Our FAST Labs name reflects our commitment to increasing the velocity of our innovation—moving faster and with a stronger sense of direction. It also pays homage to a strong legacy of innovation built on the many research and development teams that have joined us over the years such as FADEC Alliance, Fairchild Imaging, Advanced Information Technology, ALPHATECH, Inc., Sanders Associates, Inc., Short Brothers Aeroplane Works, and Tracor, Inc., Loral Space Systems, Lear Astronics, Advanced Power Technologies, Inc., Boeing Commercial Electronics, Singer Company, STI, and STI Government Systems.