As part of a major investment to modernize its Eurofighter fighter fleet, the United Kingdom has recently secured the production of the new ECRS Mk2 radars that will equip the aircraft, allocating around £453 million for this purpose and supporting approximately 1,300 highly skilled jobs across the country. According to an official statement by the Royal Air Force, the companies responsible for carrying out this work will be BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, and Parker Meggitt, ensuring the continuity of their involvement in the program for the coming years.
Providing further details, the RAF explained that the new ECRS Mk2 radars will give the Eurofighter not only a significant capability to detect and track enemy targets in highly contested environments, but also the ability to generate powerful electronic jamming against adversary systems. Thanks to these features, the Typhoon fleet will remain up to date to operate in modern combat scenarios, with the RAF intending to keep the aircraft in service at least until the early 2040s, as already outlined in the latest Strategic Defence Review.
In particular, the recent announcement regarding the acquisition of this equipment covers a total of 40 new ECRS Mk2 radars, including 38 newly manufactured units and two previously used for testing that will be upgraded to the same standard. Under current plans, all of them will be installed directly on the selected aircraft undergoing modernization, with no additional units kept in inventory.
Citing some official statements on the matter, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Our Typhoon fleet is the backbone of UK and NATO air defence, operated across Europe by the Royal Air Force and our allies to protect our skies and our security. As the threats we face grow and Russian drones continue to attack Ukraine and violate NATO airspace, this next-generation radar capability will keep Britain safe at home and strong abroad for many years to come.”
Meanwhile, BAE Systems Chief Executive Richard Hamilton stated: “The Typhoon programme is a cornerstone of the UK’s national defence and security. Operating at the heart of NATO operations, Typhoon aircraft provide air policing on Europe’s eastern flank. Continued investment in Typhoon capability is vital and ensures we can maximise the UK’s investment in the aircraft while accelerating critical air combat technologies essential to defence capabilities.”
Finally, it is worth noting that earlier this week the Royal Air Force also announced an additional £205 million contract aimed at providing long-term specialist technical support for the Eurofighter fleet. Awarded to QinetiQ, the deal is expected to sustain around 250 jobs and ensure the successful implementation of aircraft upgrades, while consolidating total investments of more than £650 million in the backbone of the UK’s fighter aviation.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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