The MASS effect in BAE link-up

MASS, which has a facility in Wellingore, Lincolnshire, said the partnership will benefit from its strength in electronic warfare operational support and BAE Systems’ aircraft such as Typhoon and Tornado.

Electronic warfare is focused on understanding the electronic magnetic environment surrounding a platform, in this case an aircraft, to identify threats such as missiles and confuse them. MASS specialises in programming the electronic warfare. Malcolm Lowes, founder and business development director of MASS, said the partnership was “long-term”.

Ashley Lane, managing director, said: “It is great to be working with BAE Systems on their technology transfer programmes in support of export platform sales. This supports our aim to assist other nations build an indigenous capability in the operational support and use of modern electronic warfare systems.”

Andy Lavin, Saudi Arabia programmes director in BAE Systems’ Military Air and Information business, said: “MASS’s reputation as the leading provider to the UK’s Air Warfare Centre and BAE Systems’ reputation in advanced weapon system support will deliver operational capability benefit to Saudi Arabia and our other export customers.”

MASS, a £26m turnover company with 250 employees, was founded in 1983 and joined Aim-listed technology group Cohort in 2006. In 2010, MASS acquired Abacus EW, which specialises in electronic warfare training.