Leonardo has secured a contract to finalize the development of a revolutionary new radar, set to be incorporated into the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Typhoon fleet, which will enhance the aircraft’s air control and offer supplementary electronic warfare functionalities.
The agreement, awarded by BAE Systems to Leonardo, will facilitate further advancement of technology and integration efforts on the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 radar by Leonardo and BAE Systems. BAE Systems spearheads the overall design, advancement, production, and enhancement of the Typhoon aircraft for the UK, while Leonardo takes the lead on the aircraft’s primary sensing and survivability systems, including its radar, defensive aids sub-system, and infrared search and track system.
This contract is part of the UK Government’s announcement made in July 2022 to invest £2.35 billion in ongoing technological enhancements to Typhoon capabilities, underlining its enduring role in supporting national security and defense priorities. The new radar will ensure RAF Typhoons can concurrently detect, identify, and monitor various targets on land and at sea, significantly boosting Air Power capabilities.
A prototype of the cutting-edge radar, designed and produced by Leonardo in Edinburgh and Luton, is undergoing specialized testing at BAE Systems’ combat air facility in Warton, Lancashire. This initiative is anticipated to lead to initial flight evaluations in 2024.
Mark Hamilton, Managing Director Electronics UK, Leonardo, stated: “The ECRS MK2 Radar initiative will deliver industry-leading capabilities crafted by our talented engineers in both Edinburgh and Luton. We are exceptionally proud to be contributing significantly to the safety and security of the United Kingdom while ensuring that the UK is prepared to play a pivotal role in next-generation combat air programs. ECRS MK2 will not only furnish essential capabilities to Typhoon but will also nurture and sustain critical skills pertinent to other future developments and core air domain programs.”
Andrea Thompson, Managing Director – Europe & International, BAE Systems Air, mentioned: “Typhoon is an exceptional aircraft that continues to provide vital support to defense and security operations globally, including NATO policing in Eastern Europe. The ongoing evolution of Typhoon as a world-class combat air platform ensures that the RAF retains its advantage and safeguards the robust ecosystem that supports our sovereign combat air capabilities in the UK, by nurturing and evolving the technical skills central to the UK’s future combat air strategy.”
The Typhoon aircraft is a remarkably capable and highly agile multi-role combat aircraft, adept at being deployed for a comprehensive range of air operations, including air policing, peace support, and high-intensity conflict. The RAF Typhoons operate alongside F-35B Lightning II to deliver frontline capabilities for the RAF.
