RAF’s Typhoon Takes Flight with Next-Generation Radar, Enhancing Combat Capabilities

RAF’s Typhoon Takes Flight with Next-Generation Radar, Enhancing Combat Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) The Royal Air Force’s Typhoon aircraft has taken a major step forward with the first test flight of the new European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2). Developed by Leonardo UK and tested by BAE Systems, this advanced radar offers traditional search and targeting functions as well as cutting-edge electronic warfare capabilities, allowing the RAF to locate, identify, and neutralize enemy air defences. The radar’s debut signals significant progress in strengthening the UK’s air combat capabilities and ensuring the Typhoon remains a key asset for NATO’s frontline defence. The programme supports 600 jobs in the UK and involves key collaborations between the RAF, UK Ministry of Defence, and the defence industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) FARNBOROUGH, 28-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A new milestone has been reached in the development of advanced combat capabilities for the Royal Air Force (RAF) as the prototype of the European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) took to the skies for the first time on a UK Typhoon test aircraft. The radar, developed by Leonardo UK and tested by BAE Systems in Lancashire, will provide RAF pilots with enhanced radar and electronic warfare capabilities, enabling them to locate, identify, and suppress enemy air defences with electronic jamming, all while remaining out of reach from adversary threats.

The ECRS Mk2 is part of an ongoing effort to upgrade the UK’s Typhoon fleet, strengthening control over airspace and improving the aircraft’s ability to deter and defeat threats in both national defence and NATO operations. This radar’s cutting-edge technology offers an unprecedented level of air combat capability that will be difficult for adversaries to counter, according to Air Commodore Nick Lowe and Nick Moore from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The project not only represents a significant step for the RAF but also supports 600 highly-skilled jobs across the UK’s combat air industry, contributing to the country’s sovereign radar development capabilities. With its design already undergoing refinement, the ECRS Mk2 continues to evolve, incorporating world-class radar technology to enhance its performance.

Andy Holden, Radar Delivery Director at BAE Systems, highlighted the programme’s importance for job creation and sustaining critical knowledge, while Tim Bungey, Chief Engineer at Leonardo UK, emphasized the system’s advancements in electronic warfare capability. The radar’s first flight is part of a broader collaboration between the UK Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the RAF, and industry leaders.

As the ECRS Mk2 progresses, it continues to play a crucial role in the UK’s defence strategy, with the Typhoon programme supporting over 21,000 UK jobs and contributing £1.6 billion annually to the economy.

Media Contact:

David Coates
Senior Communications Advisor
Warton
+44 (0) 1772 852 714
+44 (0) 7525 081 575

SOURCE: BAE Systems