The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded BAE Systems a £870 million contract to deliver a new radar for the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Typhoon fighter jet fleet.
The new radar, called the European Common Radar System Mk2 (ECRS Mk2), will enhance the Typhoon’s air control capabilities and provide it with cutting-edge electronic warfare capabilities.
Multi-function array radar (MFA)
The ECRS Mk2 is a multi-functional array (MFA) radar that can perform both traditional radar functions, such as search and targeting, as well as electronic warfare tasks.
This means that the Typhoon will be able to detect and jam enemy radars, as well as track multiple targets in the air and on the ground simultaneously.
The contract is part of the UK Government’s £2.35 billion investment in the continued technology advancements in Typhoon capabilities. The ECRS Mk2 is expected to enter service with the RAF in the early 2030s.
The new radar will be a significant upgrade for the Typhoon fleet, which is currently equipped with the CAPTOR-E radar. The CAPTOR-E is a capable radar, but the ECRS Mk2 will provide the Typhoon with a significant increase in range, accuracy, and electronic warfare capabilities.
The ECRS Mk2 is being developed by BAE Systems and Leonardo UK. The work is expected to create and sustain more than 600 highly-skilled jobs across the UK.
The delivery of the ECRS Mk2 is a significant milestone in the continued development of the Typhoon fighter jet. The Typhoon is a highly capable and versatile aircraft, and the ECRS Mk2 will further enhance its capabilities, making it one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.
Benefits of the ECRS Mk2 radar
The ECRS Mk2 radar will provide a number of benefits for the RAF Typhoon fleet, including:
- Increased range and accuracy
- Enhanced electronic warfare capabilities
- The ability to track multiple targets simultaneously
- Improved situational awareness
- Increased survivability
The ECRS Mk2 will also be compatible with future upgrades to the Typhoon, such as the integration of new weapons and sensors.
The future of the Typhoon
The Typhoon is the most advanced aircraft in the RAF’s inventory, and it is used for a variety of roles, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
A highly agile aircraft, and it is currently equipped with a state-of-the-art avionics suite. This allows it to operate in all weather conditions, and it can engage targets both within and beyond visual range.
The RAF Typhoon has been deployed in a number of operations, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the 2011 intervention in Libya, and the ongoing fight against ISIS. It has also been used for air policing duties, and it has been involved in a number of training exercises.
The Typhoon is a highly capable and versatile aircraft, and the ECRS Mk2 radar will further enhance its capabilities.
The Typhoon is expected to remain in service with the RAF until the 2040s, and the ECRS Mk2 will ensure that it remains a formidable adversary for decades to come.
 has awarded BAE Systems a £870 million contract to deliver a new radar for the RAF Typhoon fighter fleet.){kind=link}