BAE Systems Secures £453.5 Million Contract for Typhoon Radar Upgrade

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded BAE Systems a £453.5 million ($613 million) contract to initiate full production of the ECRS Mk2 radar system for the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets. This move signifies a crucial step in bolstering the UK’s air defence capabilities and represents a sustained commitment to the Typhoon program.

The contract, announced on January 30, 2024, follows a rigorous period of testing and evaluation, demonstrating the ECRS Mk2’s readiness for deployment. The MoD states this investment secures a critical element of the UK’s future combat air capabilities.

What is ECRS Mk2?

ECRS Mk2, which stands for Electronically Controlled Radar System Mark 2, is a next-generation radar designed to provide the Typhoon with significantly enhanced detection, tracking, and targeting capabilities. It utilizes advanced technology, including Gallium nitride, to deliver increased range, accuracy, and resistance to jamming. BAE Systems details that the radar can track multiple targets simultaneously, even in complex and contested environments.

Key improvements and Capabilities

Compared to it’s predecessor, the ECRS Mk2 offers several key advantages:

• Enhanced Range: The new radar can detect and track targets at a greater distance, providing pilots with more time to react.
• Improved Accuracy: More precise tracking data leads to better weapon guidance and target identification.
• Increased Resistance to Jamming: Advanced electronic countermeasures protection ensures the radar remains effective in unfriendly environments.
• Multi-Role Capability: ECRS Mk2 supports a wider range of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attack, and intelligence gathering.

Impact on the Typhoon Fleet

this contract will see the ECRS Mk2 integrated into the RAF’s Typhoon fleet over the coming years. The upgrade is vital for maintaining the Typhoon’s relevance as a frontline fighter jet in the face of evolving threats. Shephard Media reports that the radar is a key component of the Typhoon’s future combat air strategy.

The investment also supports hundreds of jobs at BAE Systems’ sites across the UK, including those in Lancashire and Scotland. It underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the UK defense industry and maintaining a skilled workforce.

Looking Ahead

The ECRS Mk2 radar is not just an upgrade for the typhoon; it’s a stepping stone towards the UK’s future combat air system, GCAP (Global Combat Air Program). The technologies developed for ECRS Mk2 will inform the growth of next-generation radar systems for future aircraft, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of air defense innovation.