The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems a £454 million ($610 million) contract to produce new radars for the Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoon fleet, enhancing the aircraft’s ability to detect and engage multiple air and ground targets.
BAE Systems said the contract represents a significant upgrade to Typhoon capability, with 38 electronically scanned European Common Radar System Mk2 (ECRS Mk2) sensors to be manufactured and integrated on Tranche 3 aircraft. The effort forms part of the UK’s broader £2.35 billion Eurofighter modernization program launched in 2022.
The radar is expected to enter service by the end of the decade following several years of development and testing. Leonardo will manufacture the sensors at its facilities in Edinburgh and Luton, while BAE’s site in Lancashire will support aircraft integration.
BAE noted that the production award follows the Eurofighter program’s largest export success in decades, referencing Turkey’s estimated £5.4 billion order for 20 Typhoon jets.
While Germany, Italy and Spain have placed additional Typhoon orders, the UK has not committed to further purchases despite lobbying from trade unions. Britain currently operates 129 Eurofighters, with older Tranche 1 aircraft retired last year under defence planning outlined in the 2021 Defence Command Paper.
Over the longer term, the RAF plans to transition from Typhoon to the future Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) fighter being jointly developed by the UK, Italy and Japan.
