BAE Systems is working alongside Avioniq to trial AI-driven technology on Eurofighter Typhoon to explore how it could give fighter jet pilots uniquely optimised threat updates whilst airborne.

The companies are testing Avioniq’s Rattlesnaq technology in a Eurofighter Typhoon simulator at BAE Systems’ facility in Warton, Lancashire, UK. Rattlesnaq is a technology developed by Avioniq which creates a dynamic, cumulative threat boundary, improving survivability in hostile airspace.

By combining Avioniq’s advanced missile models and verifiable AI, Rattlesnaq defines a safe operational envelope for operators in the beyond visual range (BVR) battlespace by pinpointing where aircraft can fly without coming within the range of enemy missiles.

BAE Systems’ Head of Typhoon Strategy Paul Smith, a former Royal Air Force Typhoon pilot, said the technology had the potential to revolutionise pilots’ training and tactics.

He said: “Being able to make quick, accurate decisions is crucial when operating an aircraft like Typhoon and that means situational awareness is critical.

“In the future battlespace, when threats are constantly changing, you need live on-the-edge situational awareness to enable pilots to operate effectively in even the most contested environments.”

Former Swedish Air Force pilot Mikael Grev, co-founder and CEO of Avioniq, said Rattlesnaq operated using verifiable AI, ensuring all the information given to pilots can be independently verified.

He said: “The combination of advanced modelling and Verifiable AI delivers real-time, edge-based threat assessments directly to the aircraft. This means a single aircraft can deliver greater force-multiplying effect, defeating a wider range of threats more efficiently, increasing survivability and also supporting operations alongside uncrewed aircraft.”

Engineers from Avioniq and BAE Systems are now working together to integrate the capability onto Typhoon which has included a number of technical demonstrations on the Typhoon simulator.