RAF Hawk to Receive Upgraded Cockpit Software Contract
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a defence contract to upgrade cockpit software on Royal Air Force Hawk T1 aircraft, with delivery of the core capability expected by mid-2026, according to UK defence officials.
Under the agreement, Lincoln-based defence firm Inzpire Ltd will develop enhancements to the mission support software used by Hawk trainers, enabling Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast In (ADS-B In) functionality in the aircraft support system.
Contract Details and Scope
The contract, valued at up to GBP 2.5 million (about USD 3.2 million), amends an existing single-source agreement with Inzpire, which holds intellectual property and technical rights for the Graphical Electronic Cockpit Organiser Mission Support System (GECO MSS).
The software upgrade will allow Hawk T1 mission support systems to receive real-time position data from other aircraft that broadcast ADS-B signals. That data improves situational awareness for pilots during training sorties and helps ground crews with mission planning and analysis.
ADS-B In capability is planned to be delivered no later than July 1, 2026, based on the transparency notice published by the UK Ministry of Defence on its Find a Tender service.
GECO MSS and Training Support
GECO MSS is a tablet-based software suite already in use on Hawk T1 aircraft for mission planning, execution and post-flight debriefing. Inzpire will also provide ongoing support for associated tablets, base stations and software under the contract’s terms.
The Ministry of Defence cited technical reasons for the direct award, noting that Inzpire, as the original equipment manufacturer for GECO MSS, is the only supplier capable of making the required software amendments and providing integrated support.
Hawk T1 Role and Broader Context
The BAE Systems Hawk family has served as a fast jet trainer with air arms around the world for decades. The RAF’s Hawk T1 model, in particular, has been a mainstay of pilot training, though it is gradually being replaced by newer models such as the Hawk T2 in advanced training roles.
Upgrades like the ADS-B In software reflect ongoing efforts to keep legacy trainer platforms operational and relevant, particularly as modern training demands evolve. See also: RAF explores future Hawk replacement and training solutions.
Industry Implications
While the contract is modest in value compared with full aircraft modernization programmes, it illustrates continued investment in training system capabilities and data interoperability. Upgraded situational awareness features support a safer, more networked training environment for fast jet pilots preparing to transition to advanced combat aircraft.
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