The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems a £453.5 million contract for full-rate production of the ECRS Mk2 advanced radar for Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jets. The contract follows years of development and testing backed by sustained government investment. Under the program, BAE Systems and Leonardo UK will deliver 38 ECRS Mk2 radars for integration on the RAF’s Tranche 3 Typhoon fleet, with entry into service expected by the end of the decade. The radar significantly enhances the Typhoon’s electronic warfare and multi-target tracking capabilities, allowing it to detect, identify, and engage both airborne and ground threats in contested environments. Leonardo will manufacture the radar at its Edinburgh and Luton facilities, while BAE Systems will handle aircraft integration at its Lancashire site. The program supports approximately 1,300 jobs across the UK and reinforces Typhoon’s role as the RAF’s primary air combat platform. Beyond operational impact, the Typhoon program remains a pillar of the UK defense industrial base, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and generating more than £30 billion in export sales.
