ECRS Mk2 radar makes first flight on Eurofighter Typhoon
ECRS Mk2 takes off from BAE Systems’ facilities in Warton on a Eurofighter Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft. (Photo: BAE Systems)
The test, part of ongoing developments for the UK Typhoon fleet, was operated at BAE Systems in Lancashire and supported by the radar’s developer, Leonardo UK.
The new European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) prototype has taken flight for the first time at BAE Systems’ site in Warton, Lancashire in the UK.
The radar was commissioned by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) at a price of £870million (US$1.2 billion) and began ground-tests on a Eurofighter Typhoon in July 2024. According to BAE Systems, the radar arms Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots with the ability to locate and deny enemy radar with electronic attack and anti-jamming capabilities, while remaining out of reach of threats.
The first flight followed ground-based testing via a collaboration between the MoD, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the RAF.
Related Articles
Leonardo delivers first ECRS Mk2 radar prototype for RAF Typhoon fleet
European Common Radar System Mk2 begins ground-testing in UK
Nick Moore, Typhoon deputy head of capability acquisition at DE&S, said: “This is another landmark moment in this strategically important programme which will provide the RAF with battle-winning technology that gives them the edge to protect the nation. The ECRS Mk2 radar will further transform Typhoon’s control of the air and provide exceptional capability our adversaries will struggle to match.”
Tim Bungey, chief engineer for ECRS Mk2 at Leonardo UK, said the radar’s production design has been “progressing apace”.
Over the past few months, it has been re-engineered – namely, its processor, receiver, antenna power supply and control units – to “further enhance the capacity, capability and performance of the Mk2 system in alignment with the new antenna and electronic warfare capability”, Bungey noted.
A total of 680 of the aircraft have been ordered by nine different countries, with export sales predicted to return more than £30 billion to the UK government, according to BAE Systems.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo details Proteus’s path to autonomous anti-submarine missions for the Royal Navy]()
Leonardo details Proteus’s path to autonomous anti-submarine missions for the Royal Navy
Leonardo’s integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind software could enable its Proteus uncrewed helicopter to conduct independent anti-submarine warfare missions, supporting the Royal Navy’s plans for a future hybrid air wing.
-
![Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production]()
Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production
By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
-
![European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans]()
European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
-
![Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships]()
Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
-
![October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age]()
October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
