US-based defense technology company Leonardo DRS is establishing a new UK subsidiary and dedicated local manufacturing facility to produce tactical radar systems as it expands its support for British defense programs.
The new entity, DRS UK, will operate a purpose-built production site manufacturing radar systems designed to detect, track, and classify airborne and ground-based threats, including drones, rockets, artillery, and mortars.
The company’s radar technologies support a range of missions, including counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), air defense, force protection, and active protection. Leonardo DRS stated that more than 10,000 of its radar panels have been deployed globally by the US military, NATO allies, and other international customers.
According to the company, the UK investment will create new engineering and manufacturing opportunities while strengthening its regional supply chain and expanding domestic industrial capabilities.
Leonardo DRS Expands UK Radar Presence
The establishment of DRS UK comes as Leonardo continues to expand its wider radar activities in support of the British armed forces.
In January, the UK government awarded Leonardo UK and BAE Systems a £453.5 million ($600 million) contract to manufacture and deliver 40 production-standard European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars for Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft.
The ECRS Mk2 is designed to provide Typhoon with advanced sensing and electronic warfare capabilities. The system can detect, identify, and track multiple targets while also supporting electronic attack missions in contested electromagnetic environments.
For Leonardo DRS, the UK expansion also strengthens the position of its RADA counter-UAS business. The UK became an early customer of the company’s hemispheric radar technology following its 2018 selection of the Drone Dome system. The new subsidiary will now provide DRS with a domestic manufacturing base to support a wider portfolio of tactical radar solutions for the UK and other regional markets.
