LONDON – As the geopolitical world is heating up, so is the global defence industry. Britain is now investing in its armed forces, lifting its defence capabilities. The UK-based Eurofighter Typhoon jets will be equipped with the world’s most advanced radar, as part of a £2.35 billion investment announced at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT). 

The highest European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 radar will further enhance and elevate Eurofighter’s defence, attacking and surveillance capability, and elevate the aircraft’s air superiority after.

The fighter jet will now be able to conduct electronic warfare seamlessly and more efficiently with the ability to identify and track multiple targets both in the air and on the ground. 

The jet will be able to conduct and support complex and challenging missions, arming pilots with the ability to suppress the opponent’s air defence system using a high-powered jamming technologies which will neutralise threats. 

Jeremy Quin Minister for Defence Procurement stated: “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 toward the Future Combat Air System.”

This latest round of upgrades will also integrate the additional capabilities and weapons which are designed to engage with threats emerging until the year 2040 and beyond.

This means that the Typhoon jet will be equipped with its latest mission computer and cockpit interface, as well as an improved navigational system and signal jamming technology. 

European Common Radar System Mk2

This radar system will be ready to be serviceable towards the end of 2030, and the announcement made today will ensure the manpower, logistics, skills, technology and expertise to develop and integrate such a Common Radar system.

Moreover, this new integrated radar system will aim to be compatible with the much anticipated  UK’s Future Combat Air System or programme. 

The radar is one the example of UK’s pioneering in defence technology that is being developed by Leonardo UK in Edinburgh, Scotland and Luton and integrated by BAE Systems in Warton.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston Chief of the Air Staff stated that: “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.”

Jobs Jobs Jobs

In the bigger picture, the Eurofighter Typhoon will support more than 20,000 jobs both directly and indirectly throughout the island. The latest batch of investments will sustain 1,300 positions across the country.

This would include BAE Systems siteat Warton and Samlesburg, and Support (DE&S). It will 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.

The Eurofighter Typhoon programme plays a vital role in the UK’s defence capability, and also has been proven to be very capable on par with that of the F-35.