UK’s QinetiQ Supplies Advanced Target Systems for Cutlass Fury 2025

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British multinational defence tech firm QinetiQ is providing sophisticated target systems for Cutlass Fury 2025, a major multinational maritime exercise hosted by the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force. The operation, involving NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allies, is designed to strengthen interoperability and readiness in complex naval warfare scenarios. The exercise is taking place off the eastern coast of Canada and runs for several days in August, bringing together forces from across the alliance.

As part of the operation, QinetiQ has deployed a range of surface and aerial targets to replicate realistic threats for participating ships and aircraft. These systems are intended to enhance live-fire training, allowing naval crews to test their weapons and tactics against simulated enemy platforms. The company’s target solutions are designed to withstand repeated use and provide precise data on performance, ensuring that allied forces can conduct rigorous, measurable training in realistic combat conditions.

Cutlass Fury 2025 is one of the largest naval exercises in the North Atlantic this year, involving warships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters from multiple nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, France, and Germany. Exercises such as these are essential for strengthening joint operational capabilities and ensuring that allied navies can operate seamlessly in contested waters.

QinetiQ’s participation demonstrates the UK defence industry’s ongoing role in supporting NATO training objectives. The company’s systems are being used in various live-fire exercises, including anti-surface warfare and air defence drills. By replicating fast inshore attack craft, drones, and missile threats, the targets offer a high level of realism, helping forces to refine their response times and engagement accuracy.

Speaking about the project, a QinetiQ executive highlighted the company’s commitment to delivering reliable and innovative solutions for military training. 

“We are pleased to work with the crew of HMCS Montreal to provide uncrewed aerial and surface targets for advanced multinational task group training,” said John Le Blanc, Programme Manager at QinetiQ Target Systems. “Complex naval exercises like Cutlass Fury ensure that Canada and our international allies have world-class sailors, aviators, and soldiers ready for future challenges.”

Cutlass Fury 2025 also serves as a platform for demonstrating allied unity in the face of global maritime challenges. With growing tensions in strategic waterways and the expansion of unconventional threats, the ability to conduct joint exercises at this scale is vital for deterrence and operational readiness.

The UK’s involvement in the exercise, supported by defence industry contributions such as QinetiQ’s, underlines the nation’s commitment to NATO and collective security. These advanced training systems are expected to provide valuable insights into how allied forces can further enhance their operational coordination and effectiveness in future missions.