- BAE Systems and Türkiye-based TUALCOM signed an MoU to explore collaboration on next-generation autonomous air capabilities
- The partnership will focus on resilient communications, assured navigation and electronic warfare technologies for contested environments
- FalconWorks will lead initial development efforts, aiming to evaluate concepts for future autonomous defense programs.
BAE Systems has signed a memorandum of understanding, or MoU, with Turkish defense technology company TUALCOM to explore technologies supporting the next generation of autonomous air capabilities.
What technologies will BAE Systems and TUALCOM explore?
The collaboration will focus on technologies such as resilient communications, navigation and electronic warfare designed to help autonomous systems operate reliably in contested and degraded environments, where conventional communications and navigation capabilities may be disrupted or denied.
“Future autonomous capability will depend not only on advanced aircraft, but on the resilience of the systems that enable them to sense, communicate and make decisions in increasingly contested environments,” explained Dave Holmes, managing director of BAE Systems’ FalconWorks division.
TUALCOM CEO Ali Pastonoglu said the company has invested significantly in RF communications, assured navigation and electronic warfare technologies designed to operate under demanding conditions.
“Working alongside BAE Systems creates an exciting opportunity to combine our respective strengths, accelerate innovation and develop technologies that will underpin the next generation of autonomous defense systems,” Pastonoglu added.
How will FalconWorks support the partnership?
The work will be delivered through FalconWorks, BAE Systems’ advanced research and technology business within its Air sector.
Teams from FalconWorks and TUALCOM will initially identify advanced development opportunities focused on resilient autonomy. The approach is intended to enable rapid evaluation of technology concepts before they potentially progress into future defense programs.
How Does the TUALCOM Partnership Build on BAE Systems’ Technology Collaborations?
The agreement with TUALCOM builds on BAE Systems’ broader strategy of working with technology companies and international industry partners to advance defense capabilities. In 2025, BAE Systems invested in Oxford Dynamics to advance artificial intelligence and robotics technologies for battlespace applications, including capabilities designed to support operational autonomy in contested environments.
The company has also continued to expand its electronic warfare portfolio through international programs. In July 2026, BAE Systems secured a Boeing contract to provide its AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System for South Korea’s F-15K modernization program. EPAWSS is designed to provide threat detection and countermeasures in contested electromagnetic environments.
