BAE Systems has secured a [£870 million (€1019.07 million)] contract by Ministry of Defence (MOD). Under this contract BAE Systems will deliver a new radar to enhance the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Typhoon fighter jet fleet and strengthen the aircraft’s control of the airspace whilst providing electronic warfare capabilities.
The contract, assigned by the Ministry of Defence to BAE Systems, will see further development of technology and integration work on the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 radar by BAE Systems and Leonardo UK. The work is expected to lead to initial flight testing in 2024.
BAE Systems will guide with the overall design, development, manufacture and upgrade of the Typhoon aircraft for the UK and Leonardo will look into the aircraft’s main sensing and survivability systems including its radar and defensive aids sub-system.
The contract is part of the UK Government announcement made in July 2022, to invest [£2.35 billion (€2.75 billion)] in the continued technology advancements in Typhoon capabilities, as recognition of its long-term role supporting national security and defence priorities.
“Typhoon is a fantastic aircraft which continues to provide crucial support to defence and security operations around the world, including NATO air policing in Eastern Europe. The continued evolution of Typhoon as a world-class combat air platform ensures the RAF maintains its advantage and protects the vibrant eco-system that supports our sovereign combat air capability in the UK, through sustaining and evolving the technical skills central to the UK’s future combat air strategy” says Andrea Thompson, managing director – Europe and International at BAE Systems’ Air Sector.
“The ECRS Mk2 Radar programme will deliver world leading capabilities developed by our skilled engineers in both Edinburgh and Luton. We are extremely proud to be contributing in such a way to the safety and security of the United Kingdom as well as ensuring that the UK is equipped to play a central role in next generation combat air programmes. ECRS Mk2 will not only provide critical capability to Typhoon but will also develop and sustain critical skills relevant to the Global Combat Air Programme” says Mark Hamilton, managing director electronics UK, Leonardo.
Typhoon is a highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft. It is capable of being deployed for the full spectrum of air operations, including air policing, peace support and high-intensity conflict. The RAF Typhoons are deployed alongside F-35B Lightning II to provide frontline capability for the UK.
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