- Typhoon fighter jets to be equipped with world’s most
advanced radar
- Additional upgrades will ensure jet can counter emerging
threats
- Funding sustains 1,300 engineering jobs across the UK
The state-of-the-art European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk 2
radar will further transform the Eurofighter Typhoon’s control of
the air, bringing a world-leading electronic warfare capability
which will allow the aircraft to simultaneously detect, identify
and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground.
It will support operations in the most challenging situations,
equipping pilots with the ability to suppress enemy air defences
using high-powered jamming and engage targets whilst beyond the
reach of threats.
Minister for Defence Procurement, , said:
It’s vital the UK remains at the forefront of military
capabilities to be able to deter and defend.
These technological enhancements will maintain the cutting-edge
capabilities of Eurofighter Typhoon and help underpin the
development path towards the Future Combat Air System.
The work also ensures the aircraft can integrate additional
capabilities and weapons later in the decade to counter emerging
threats until 2040 and beyond.
This sees Typhoon enhanced with the latest mission computer and
cockpit interface, as well as an improved navigation system and
signal jamming technology.
ECRS Mk2 will be delivered into service towards the end of the
decade and today’s announcement ensures that the advanced
technical skills and expertise needed to develop, integrate and
deliver these complex projects remain in the UK and are available
to support the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme.
The radar is a prime example of the UK’s world-leading onshore
technology, being developed by Leonardo UK in Edinburgh and Luton
and integrated by BAE Systems in Warton.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike
Wigston, said:
The ECRS Mk2 radar is a transformational upgrade for our Typhoon
aircraft, and a step change in capability. It will ensure Typhoon
is ready and able to protect our skies into the future, in the
face of fast-evolving threats to the UK and our allies.
The Typhoon programme continues to support more than 20,000 jobs
throughout the UK. The latest investments, negotiated by Defence
Equipment and Support (DE&S), sustain more than 1,300 jobs
across the UK, including Leonardo UK’s sites in Edinburgh, Luton
and Lincoln, BAE Systems at Warton and Samlesbury, Lancashire,
Kent, Meggitt in Stevenage and II–VI in County Durham.
DE&S CEO, Sir , said:
The integration of ECRS Mk2 on Typhoon offers the RAF
unparalleled radar capability for the next decade. It is an
excellent example of DE&S working collaboratively to procure
battle-winning technology that allows our Armed Forces to keep
one step ahead of their enemy.
The announcement builds on the Integrated
review and Defence
Command Paper – which was backed by an additional £24 billion
for Defence in cash terms over four years. This funding will
allow for investment for the long term in vital capabilities,
while simultaneously adapting to a more dangerous and competitive
world.
