The UK Ministry of Defence has announced £2.35 billion would be invested in upgrading the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon fighter jets with European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk 2 system.
The radar system is expected to improve the fleet’s electronic warfare (EW) capability, enabling the aircraft to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground.
This is tipped to enable pilots to suppress enemy air defences using high-powered jamming capability while also engaging targets beyond the reach of threats.
“It’s vital the UK remains at the forefront of military capabilities to be able to deter and defend,” Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin said.
“These technological enhancements will maintain the cutting-edge capabilities of Eurofighter Typhoon and help underpin the development path towards the Future Combat Air System.”
The enhancements also aim to ensure the aircraft can integrate additional capabilities and weapons over the coming decades to help counter emerging threats.
Accordingly, the Typhoons will be fitted with improved mission computer and cockpit interfaces and an enhanced navigation system and signal jamming technology.
ECRS Mk2 is scheduled to be delivered into service towards the end of the decade.
“The ECRS Mk2 radar is a transformational upgrade for our Typhoon aircraft and a step change in capability,” Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston said.
“It will ensure Typhoon is ready and able to protect our skies into the future, in the face of fast-evolving threats to the UK and our allies.”
According to the Ministry of Defence, the project could generate 20,000 jobs throughout the UK.
