Adversary Air Subject Matter Expert

Draken International; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense support organization is looking for a Red Force Adversary Subject Matter Expert to enhance adversary threat replication throughout the UK. This role involves producing and standardizing threat documentation and providing expert guidance to military units. Candidates must possess military experience and ideally hold tactical qualifications. This position offers the opportunity to influence capability development while working alongside experts in the field of operational readiness training.

Benefits

Work alongside leading experts

Opportunity for flying roles

Qualifications

• UK National eligible for DV clearance.
• Recent experience in Combat Air capabilities and TTPs.
• Developed knowledge of military operations and threats.

Responsibilities

• Lead standardization of UK threat replication documentation.
• Provide expert guidance to operational teams.
• Contribute to Red Force capability development programs.

Skills

Military combat air background

Tactical qualifications

Knowledge of threat platforms

Education

Post-graduate tactical qualifications

Job description

Draken Europe offers exciting careers that matter. We believe that mission success does not start with the mission itself. It begins with our people.

The Role

Draken Europe is seeking a Red Force Adversary Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead the development and delivery of high-quality, accurate, and standardised adversary threat replication across the UK. This critical role supports the mission to enhance lethality and survivability by ensuring realistic replication of adversary capabilities and tactics, informed by the latest intelligence and sponsored by the Air and Space Warfare Centre (ASWC).

The SME will maximise the fidelity of threat replication across Draken’s services, including Adversary Air, Electronic Warfare, Surface Threat, and Uncrewed Systems. For eligible candidates, there may be opportunities to fly in Adversary Air or Airborne Electronic Warfare roles on a part-time basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead production and standardisation of UK threat replication documentation in partnership with 92 Sqn and intelligence functions.
• Represent Draken in the ASWC Aggressor Tactics Group.
• Provide SME guidance to Draken’s Red Force Mission Planning Cell and Service Delivery Manager at RAF Waddington.
• Ensure effective integration of Draken assets into coherent adversary presentations.
• Liaise with ASWC, front-line units, and STANEVAL to optimise training benefits for MOD contracts.
• Support Draken Tactics Cell with timely intelligence updates and assess fidelity of TTPs.
• Contribute to Red Force capability development programmes.
• Assist Business Development with opportunity identification and capture.

Key Requirements

• Security: UK National eligible for DV clearance.
• Experience:
  • Credible background in the military combat air community as Aircrew, ABM, or Intelligence professional.
  • Strong preference for post-graduate tactical qualifications (e.g., Qualified Weapons Instructor, Mission Commander, EW Instructor).
  • Recent experience in Combat Air capabilities, TTPs, and employment.
  • Developed knowledge of threat platforms, weapons systems, and TTPs.

If combining with a flying role:

• Valid UK CPL(A) or ATPL(A) (or ICAO equivalent), UK CAA Class 1 medical, and AUPRT completed.
• Military fast-jet experience (ideally within last 6 years) – Essential.
• 1000+ hours on fast jets – Highly Desirable.

Why Join Draken Europe?

• Be at the forefront of adversary threat replication for UK defence.
• Work alongside leading experts and intelligence professionals.
• Opportunity to influence capability development and integrated training solutions.
• Potential for flying roles for qualified candidates.

Interested?
Apply now to join a team committed to delivering world-class adversary services and shaping the future of UK operational readiness training.

Our employee values

Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all.

We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who meet the criteria in our job specifications.

In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.

About Us

Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary-wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry. Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off.

Being ready is not only a matter of when. But where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries. Making sure that our allies can manouver around defeat and prepare to prevail.