Defence Testing: UK and Europe

Ensure your military equipment is safe, compliant, and mission-ready. Element provides end-to-end defence testing, combining digital engineering, physical testing, and certification to accelerate your product’s journey to market. As the UK's largest defence testing provider, we offer expert guidance and scalable solutions to meet the highest military standards – quickly and efficiently.

Military Equipment Testing
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What is Defence Testing at Element?

Defence testing encompasses the verification and validation of military equipment to ensure it is fit for purpose and safe to operate under extreme conditions. At Element, we deliver end-to-end testing services across the entire CADMID cycle, integrating advisory services, digital engineering, physical testing, inspection, analysis, and certification to support every stage of product development.

Element testing specialist standing among environmental test chambers in product testing lab

Why partner with Element for Defence Testing?

Components and materials we test

Element tests everything from small material coupons to full-scale military vehicles and aircraft. Our scalable testing capabilities ensure thorough validation, whether assessing individual components or complete mission-critical systems.

Key tests offered

  • Scalable environmental and pre-qualification testing from materials to sub-systems and entire systems 
  • Scalable EMC and environmental testing 
  • Engineering and Safety Advisory services 
  • Engineering based modelling and simulation 
  • Explosive atmosphere testing 
  • Lightning testing and technical advisory services 
  • Certification – UKCA CE and E Marking 

Methods and solutions offered

Element provides a seamless integration of digital engineering and physical testing, including EMC testing, environmental simulations, explosive atmosphere testing. We provide engineering and safety advisory services, destructive and non-destructive testing, and complete certification support for UKCA, CE, and E-marking requirements. Our Early Stage Qualification (ESQ®) ensures faster, more efficient compliance.

Cutting-edge equipment we use

We operate 17 EMC testing centers worldwide (7 in the UK), environmental chambers capable of temperature, vibration, altitude, shock testing, and explosive atmosphere testing facilities. Our state-of-the-art digital engineering tools provide predictive modelling for deeper insights into product performance.

Which labs offer this service

With 25+ laboratories in the UK and 270+ worldwide, we provide unmatched defence testing coverage. Our global network ensures accessible, accredited testing facilities with local expertise and international capabilities.

Proven track record with major defence programmes

Element has successfully supported major military programmes, including Typhoon, F-35, A4000M, Challenger Main Battle Tank, Boxer Armoured Vehicle, and Dreadnought nuclear submarine. Our expertise ensures your defence products meet the highest standards for reliability and safety. 

Standards we test to and products we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!
  • DEF STAN 61-5
  • DEF STAN 59-411
  • DEF STAN 00-35
  • MIL-STD 1275
  • MIL STD 461
  • MIL STD 810
  • AECTP-500
  • Your Challenges, Our Solutions

    Safety Risk Management

    We combine virtual and physical testing with digital engineering to provide comprehensive safety validation throughout your product lifecycle, ensuring equipment operates safely even in harsh environments.

    Complex Regulatory Navigation

    Our certification services cover UKCA, CE, and E-marking, while our expertise in military standards ensures full compliance with global defence regulations.

    Time to Market Pressure

    We accelerate development by identifying and eliminating design flaws early, using our automated workflows and combined digital/physical testing approach to fast-track compliance.

    Testing Process Efficiency

    We provide a one-stop-shop for defence testing, combining physical and virtual testing across 17 EMC centres and 25+ UK laboratories to reduce delays and streamline approvals.

    Why Choose Element

    Element testing specialist standing among environmental test chambers in product testing lab

    Global Testing Leader

    World's largest defence-related EMC and environmental testing network with 275 laboratories worldwide.

    Proven Defence Experience

    500+ defence products tested annually, including major programmes like Typhoon, F-35, and A400M.

    Comprehensive Solutions Provider

    End-to-end CADMID cycle from design optimization to certification.

    Cross-Industry Expertise

    50+ experience across defence, aerospace, energy, and industrial sectors, providing unique insights and innovative solutions.

    500+
    Defence products tested annually

    Industry Leader in military equipment validation.

    60+
    Years defence testing experience

    Trusted partner with global defence manufacturers.

    25+
    UK laboratories

    Extensive testing coverage across the UK & Europe.

    8,500+
    Engaged experts globally

    Dedicated support at every stage of the testing process.
    Element testing engineer operating specialized equipment for metal component analysis

    Related services

    ATEX Certification & Testing

    Explosive Atmosphere Testing and Certification

    Element ensures your products comply with global explosive atmosphere testing regulations, including Global IECEx certification, ATEX certification for Europe, UKEX for United Kingdom, HazLoc certification for North America & DSEAR in the UK.

    Military EMC Testing

    Military EMC Testing Services

    Expert Military EMC Testing & MIL-STD 461 compliance for defense equipment. Validate performance across ground, air & sea applications with our accredited fast-track testing solutions.

    Modeling and Simulation solutions to engineering challenges

    Advanced Modeling and Simulation Services

    Elevate your project with Element's modelling and simulation services, including fluid simulation, CFD, FEA, DEM, and electromagnetics. Our industry-leading expertise ensures precision, cost savings and regulatory compliance at every step.

    Environmental testing

    Climatic & Environmental Chamber Testing Services

    Test your products' durability with environmental chambers at Element. Accurately simulate real-world conditions to meet industry standards and ensure performance.

    Service member in front of a sunset background operating drone  that has undergone military and aerospace component certification

    Defense Product and System Testing Services

    Element has over 50 years of experience working with a wide range of Defense Product and System manufacturers from the initial concept of their products and on to the complex testing that is required of modern defense equipment.

    Commercial aircraft flying overhead between clearing in trees as example customer of Element aerospace testing services

    Aerospace

    Element are the largest global independent provider of aerospace testing services with over 100 years of experience and world-class testing, qualification, calibration, and advisory services.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the CADMID cycle?

    The CADMID cycle represents the full defence product lifecycle, which Element supports through end-to-end testing and compliance services.

    Do you provide support beyond testing?

    Yes, we offer problem-solving and analytical services, blending mathematical modelling with advanced materials testing to optimize product performance.

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    Element's cycle of defence services

    Element's experts enhance the safety of your military capability, to optimise products and maximise their service life. Our range of advisory services complimented by physical testing and certification are supported throughout their product life-cycle with our advanced digital engineering modelling and simulation capabilities. Download our brochure to see the full range of our services. 

    Speak to our team of experts

    AMERICAS

    Toll free from US lines

    +1 888 786 7555

    EUROPE

    Contact our Central Team
    UK

    Freephone from UK

    +44 808 234 1667

    Germany

    Freephone from Germany 

    +49 800 000 5137

    MIDDLE EAST

    Toll free from UAE

    +971 800 353 6368