The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), with the assistance of QinetiQ, have created EREBUS, a flight take a look at functionality for UK defensive help programs (DAS).
DAS is fitted to army plane to detect and defend them from threats like radar and missiles.
This functionality permits actual-world testing of DAS earlier than being built-in onto frontline plane. This reduces risk, value and time. It builds on laboratory and simulation testing by offering an actual-world analysis functionality.
EREBUS helps the UK keep world-class air safety expertise by:
- reducing risk earlier than DAS is built-in onto operational plane
- optimising configurations for max safety
- supporting spiral growth to allow fast upgrades
- scaling functionality to help UK and allied forces
- enhancing longevity of the UK world‑main air safety options
Next-generation UK DAS has been developed in partnership with trade underneath Team Pellonia. The programs fitted to EREBUS embrace:
- Elix-IR® – an infra-purple risk warning system made by Thales UK
- Miysis – a directed infra-fed countermeasure made by Leonardo UK
- MAPPS-C – a DAS ‘moderator’, or controller made by Leonardo UK
- SAGE – a radar warning and digital help measure made by Leonardo UK
Economic advantages
Integrating DAS onto plane is the costliest a part of DAS rollout. EREBUS helps scale back these prices by enabling quicker and smoother growth, and testing of full platform capabilities with out having to take army plane away from the frontline.
Working straight with QinetiQ and the producers above helps defend UK jobs and inspired future funding. It could allow the UK share growth prices with NATO companions sooner or later.
International fame
EREBUS is already attracting curiosity from NATO and European companions, with the UK sharing finest apply and entry to the take a look at functionality, reinforcing our fame for world-class DAS growth throughout NATO..
Progress to this point
The first set of flight assessments had been accomplished in October 2025, offering important take a look at proof for UK DAS growth and assurance. Future work will concentrate on reducing the dangers of integrating UK DAS to our army plane making it easier, faster and cheaper to carry these new programs and upgrades into service.