The UK Defense Ministry is spending $1.1 billion (£870 million) to equip the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) fleet of Eurofighter Typhoons with one of the world’s most advanced radars – the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2.
The five-year development contract has been awarded to BAE Systems and Leonardo UK to deliver the new radar and strengthen the aircraft’s control of the airspace whilst providing cutting-edge electronic warfare capabilities. The work is expected to lead to initial flight testing in 2024.
BAE Systems take the lead in the overall design, development, manufacture and upgrade of the Typhoon aircraft, while Leonardo spearheads the aircraft’s main sensing and survivability systems including its radar and defensive aids sub-system. The radar is being developed by Leonardo UK in Edinburgh, the UK’s home of combat air radar, and Luton and integrated by BAE Systems in Warton.
“This £870 million contract award is an investment in the future readiness and preparedness of our fighter jets so that we can continue to showcase our world-leading air capability,” said UK Minister for Defense Procurement, James Cartlidge.
Multibillion-dollar upgrade
The contract is part of the announcement that the UK government made in July 2022 to invest US$3 billion (£2.35 billion) in technological advancements in Typhoon capabilities. The overall investment includes the integration of the new radar onto Typhoon and delivery of a range of additional complementary upgrades and which together ensures Typhoon will continue to remain a potent weapons capability and enable it to counter emerging threats until 2040 and beyond.
“Typhoon is the backbone of UK Combat Air, capable of completing a wide range of Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface missions. ECRSMk2 will ensure Typhoon remains operationally effective in the future force mix in an ever-increasing contested environment” said Matt D’Aubyn, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff (DACOS) Control of the Air, Typhoon Programme Director.
What is ECRS Mk2 radar?
The state-of-the-art European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk 2 radar incorporates a multi-functional array (MFA) that combines traditional radar functions with electronic warfare capabilities, enabling the Eurofighter Typhoon to detect and disrupt enemy radar while maintaining a safe distance from potential threats. Based on MFA, the new radar will be built upon Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, offering transformative capabilities.
It will transform the Eurofighter Typhoon’s control of the air, bringing a world-leading electronic warfare capability that will allow the aircraft to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground.
ECRS Mk2 empowers pilots to operate in highly demanding scenarios by providing the capability to suppress enemy air defenses using high-powered jamming and engage targets from a safe distance beyond the reach of threats.
We have been awarded an £870m contract to deliver a new radar to enhance the @RoyalAirForce's @eurofighter Typhoon fleet. Together with @Leonardo_UK, we'll deliver the ECRS Mk2 radar bringing cutting-edge electronic warfare capabilities to the frontline.🔗 https://t.co/ZSdLikH5jb pic.twitter.com/nLPbETT5uc
— BAE Systems Air (@BAESystemsAir) July 4, 2023
A prototype of the state-of-the-art radar is currently undergoing specialist testing at the BAE Systems site in Warton, Lancashire.
Typhoon jets
Typhoon is an exceptionally capable and agile multi-role combat aircraft, designed for a wide range of air operations including air policing, peace support, and high-intensity conflict. Working in tandem with the F-35B Lightning II, the RAF Typhoons form a frontline capability, ensuring robust operational readiness for the UK.
Richard Hamilton, Typhoon Programme Director, Europe at BAE Systems Air, says that the ECRS Mk2 radar is a crucial element in securing Typhoon’s position as the backbone of air defense for decades to come. Together with enhanced mission systems, advanced sensors, weapons and displays, will prioritize the safety of RAF pilots and ensure the necessary technological expertise to advance the UK’s future combat air ambitions.
The Typhoon program sustains over 20,000 highly skilled jobs across the UK and makes an annual contribution of £1.4 billion to the economy.
