Stories

In April 1996, Bob Smith was leading a joint team from across Europe designing the avionics for the Eurofighter Typhoon.

The UK's FAAM Airborne Laboratory which operates a specially adapted BAE-146 is at the forefront of environmental research. This specialist scientific aircraft is a vital tool in the study of Atmospheric Science, weather patterns, climate change and global warming.

Coordinated action has been at the heart of military operations for centuries, but even though technology has changed considerably, this process still often relies on text or verbal communication to share information.

Perhaps the most precise method of guiding munitions to a target is with a laser device, ‘painting’ the target so that munitions can lock on and follow the beam. However, in order to do this, military personnel need to be close enough to manually aim the laser, which can pose significant risks.

Our quantum team took part in the world’s first flight carrying a stable Bose Einstein Condensate – the fifth state of matter. This could soon be used to provide unjammable navigation, as a powerful alternative to easily-spoofed GPS. We are supporting the SME at the heart of the innovation, Infleqtion, to turn a lab-based physics experiment into a robust piece of equipment, able to continue working in the very different environmentof an aircraft in flight.

The development of the Typhoon aircraft illustrates the dynamic evolution of cutting-edge combat aircraft. 

The signing of a treaty in December 2023 by the Italian, Japanese, and British governments on the collaboration of a next-generation fighter jet programme marked a significant milestone for the UK’s combat air sector.

The story of D-Day and BAE Systems’ connection to it, is more than just one day or one event. More than 60 types of aircraft, ships and equipment used by the Allied forces in Operation Overlord were designed, manufactured and developed in the years leading up to the invasion by firms in BAE Systems' lineage. When viewed through the prism of industrial production, design and engineering, D-Day was really 24 hours which had been years in the making.

Ahead of their return to Normandy we invited five D-Day and Normandy veterans to our site in Lancashire to have a look at present day and future military technology. Two of them, Jim and Richard, were kind enough to sit down and talk to us about their experiences of World War Two and their involvement in the D-Day operation.

BAE Systems recently became one of a select few Florida companies to meet the stringent requirements of being a state-designated “Clean Boatyard.”

The Red Arrows display team symbolise the speed, agility and precision of the Royal Air Force, making them one of the world's premier air shows.

The UK possesses a unique asset, which few countries have and others strive to attain: the capability to develop, produce, and sustain its own indigenous fighter aircraft.

We have proudly supported the Ulysses Trust since 2015, with our contributions they have helped more than 6,200 young people, across 217 cadet expeditions, grow and develop through challenging adventures - this is Shiza's story.

1,475 silhouettes representing the servicemen – under British Command – who lost their lives during the D-Day operations. Our people rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand to complete this poignant art installation, supporting the Standing with Giants team. Situated in the meadows that lay between Gold Beach and the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, France, the installation will remain in place until late-August.

D-Day is remembered principally as a military operation. But the Second World War and the build-up to 6 June 1944 had transformed British industry with record production levels and technical ingenuity. It was often dangerous work.

How do you fly thousands of men and equipment across the English Channel and into enemy-held territory, without having to utilise hundreds of transport planes? This was the challenge faced by the Allies when they first began planning for the liberation of mainland Europe.

To better understand today's challenges, our series of research reports explore the perceived barriers to careers in tech, alternative routes into the industry, and the complexities of talent retention

Last year, BAE Systems Air donated £400,000 to local causes and our employees volunteered more than 4,000 hours to support our communities.