HAMBLE-based defence electronics company ESL Defence has received a major endorsement of its technology and expertise from aerospace giant BAE Systems.

The result is the creation of a strategic alliance under which ESL Defence and BAE Systems Avionics will work together on a number of exciting new technologies.

Managing director John Burrows said: "This is another big step in our development and a compliment to our research and development team; as a result we will be looking to strengthen our team with more scientists and engineers.''

Professor John Roulston of BAE Systems said: "We look forward to a fruitful technology relationship that will create value for both companies and our customers. ESL is an ideal partner for our microwave and electro-optic businesses.''

The strategic alliance coincides with ESL's move into new 6,000 sq ft headquarters at the waterside location at Compass Point on the shoreline of Southampton Water and follows several months in temporary accommodation while work on the new premises was being completed.

ESL Defence, formerly known as ESL Systems, was created in December 1999 following a management buyout by managing director John Burrows from the Italian defence group Elettronica SpA.

The company has established itself as a leading electronics research facility supporting the work of major defence contractors like BAE and QinetiQ, formerly Dera.

ESL is also world leader in the development and marketing of Missile Warner System test sets with equipment currently deployed by armed forces in many countries.

It has a staff of 30, which mainly consists of scientists and engineers.

Much of the work undertaken by ESL is subject to UK national security restrictions and the company is therefore cleared to work on material classified to UK Secret.