UK Commits Over £200 Million to Upgrade RAF Typhoon Fleet with Advanced Radar

The UK Government has pledged £204.6 million to support the next phase of development for the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon, focusing on the production and integration of the cutting-edge ECRS Mk2 radar system. This move aims to significantly strengthen the aircraft’s combat capabilities by introducing advanced electronic warfare functions and the ability to detect and track multiple threats in the air and on the ground—simultaneously.

This funding package enables BAE Systems and Leonardo UK to secure essential components ahead of a full-scale production contract, which is anticipated in 2025. The investment follows successful prototype trials conducted earlier this year at BAE Systems’ site in Warton.

According to Richard Hamilton, Managing Director for Europe & International at BAE Systems, the integration of electronic warfare features into a multi-functional radar places the UK at the forefront of European defence technology: “Modern warfare increasingly relies on electronic dominance, and this radar sets a new standard in multi-role combat systems.”

Leonardo UK’s Mark Hamilton added that the financial commitment underscores growing confidence in the UK’s defence industry: “This early investment supports the steady progress of a sophisticated radar system and highlights the maturing design.”

Initial units of the ECRS Mk2 radar are expected to be ready by 2028. Integration into the Typhoon programme is being prioritized across the four-nation Eurofighter partnership. Lyndon Hoyle, leading the Typhoon Delivery Team at the UK Ministry of Defence, stated, “The focus now is rapid integration to deliver this advanced capability to frontline forces.”

The radar is being developed at Leonardo’s facilities in Edinburgh and Luton, while BAE Systems handles integration in Lancashire. The programme is expected to secure around 1,300 skilled jobs across the UK, including hundreds in Scotland and North West England.

Notably, Typhoon exports have already generated more than double the UK’s £12 billion investment in the platform. In the North West alone, BAE Systems directly employs around 5,000 people on the Typhoon programme, which supports over 20,000 jobs nationwide.