BAE Systems has secured a £453.5 million ($612 million) contract from the UK Ministry of Defence to deliver a next-generation radar for the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon fighter jets.
The award covers full production of the ECRS Mk2 radar after a prolonged development and qualification phase backed by long-term government funding. In partnership with Leonardo UK, BAE Systems will supply 38 radars for the RAF’s Tranche 3 Typhoon aircraft, with initial operational capability planned before the end of the decade.
Once deployed, the ECRS Mk2 radar will substantially strengthen the Typhoon’s electronic warfare and sensing performance, enabling simultaneous detection and tracking of multiple airborne and surface threats in contested battlespaces.
The program will sustain approximately 1,300 skilled jobs across the UK. Leonardo will be responsible for radar development and manufacturing at its Edinburgh and Luton facilities, while BAE Systems will integrate the systems onto aircraft at its Lancashire production sites.
The Eurofighter Typhoon serves as the backbone of the RAF’s air combat fleet and plays a critical role in NATO air policing operations, routinely flying quick reaction alert sorties to safeguard UK and allied airspace.
Although originally conceived as an air-to-air fighter, the Typhoon has undergone continuous upgrades to support multirole operations, including strike, intelligence gathering, and electronic warfare. BAE Systems revealed in September 2025 that it is also evaluating the integration of APKWS II laser-guided rockets to enhance the aircraft’s counter-drone capabilities.
In addition to its military significance, the Typhoon program underpins the UK’s defense industry, supporting more than 20,000 jobs each year and accounting for over £30 billion ($40.5 billion) in export sales.
