UK embraces AESA for Typhoon
BAE Systems and Leonardo will develop a next-generation AESA radar for installation on Eurofighter Typhoons operated by the RAF, under a £317 million ($421 million) contract from the UK MoD.
The European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) radar will replace the Euroradar Captor mechanically scanned array radar that RAF Typhoons use today.
BAE Systems and Leonardo are working on a baseline version of the AESA radar as part of a four-nation development programme, alongside Eurofighter consortium partners in Germany, Spain and Italy. Germany and Spain have also committed to deliver their own national AESA radar requirements.
The multifunctional ECRS Mk2 will give UK Typhoons a ‘game-changing’ EW capability in addition to traditional radar functions, BAE Systems claimed in a 3 September statement. New capabilities include location, identification and suppression of enemy air defences using high-powered jamming at long-distance standoff range.
Leonardo is developing the new sensor and BAE Systems, as the UK prime contractor for Typhoon, will integrate it. Both companies noted that ECRS Mk2 is also designed to meet the needs of future export customers.
The new AESA radar ‘will allow Typhoon to take its place in the future battlespace for decades to come, maturing key technologies for future combat air systems and ensuring interoperability’, noted Andrea Thompson, managing director Europe & International for BAE Systems Air.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 2 (Block 8, 8A, 9, 10, 10C, 11, 11C, 15, 15C)
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend]()
Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend
Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
-
![UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release]()
UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release
The release of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has been long promised as mid-year. It is possible it could be as early as 2 June although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to play its cards close to its chest.
-
![Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)]()
Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
-
![US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts]()
US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
