Clear skies ahead: Royal Air Force Typhoons to receive advanced radar and EW upgrade
The current programme of record is for the Typhoon Tranche 3 only, but could be expanded to include other jet iterations too. (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems is developing and testing the new European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 to enhance the RAF’s Typhoon jet fleet with a range of complementary capabilities that will also feed into the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the company told reporters on 4 July at its manufacturing and assembly facility at Warton, England.
On the same day, the UK MoD announced it had awarded the company an £870 million ($1.1 billion) contract to deliver the new radar capability that will also provide advanced EW, electronic attack and electronic surveillance capabilities.
The Mk 2 radar will equip the RAF jets
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest
The Proteus demonstrator is being pitched as a key platform showcasing the UK’s capabilities to build autonomous systems, with Leonardo in ongoing discussions about the future of the programme with the Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.
-
Further investments in OWE and launchers to boost British Army deep fires capability
Two contracts are expected to be signed by March 2026 that will help bolster the force’s capabilities, with further trials of the launcher expected across other departments.
-
Scaling for diverse fleet needs: How many CCA will be acquired per crewed aircraft?
There is currently no industry standard in the ratio of uncrewed to crewed aircraft. Because collaborative combat aircraft vary widely in capability and crewed-uncrewed teaming availability, while country-specific requirements vary, it is unlikely that a single CCA configuration will meet all operational needs.
-
Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success
Striking the right balance between cost and capability is likely to become more crucial in the increasingly competitive collaborative combat aircraft market. Shephard’s special CCA market report examines where the opportunities lie for suppliers.