The Royal Air Force’s Typhoon fighter jets are set to receive a major capability boost after the announcement of a new generation of advanced radar systems designed to help pilots detect, identify and track potential enemy threats more effectively.
Under a £453 million contract, the new radars will be manufactured at Leonardo UK’s site in Edinburgh and fitted to the RAF’s fleet of Typhoon FGR Mk4 aircraft, strengthening the UK’s air defence at a time of rising global tensions.
A step beyond current capability
While specific technical details of the new radar system have not been released, the Ministry of Defence says it will build on, and significantly improve, the capabilities already provided by the existing ECRS Mk2 radar.
The current system enables Typhoons to locate, identify and suppress enemy air defences, delivering advanced electronic warfare effects alongside traditional detection functions.
One of its most significant features is the ability to track airborne and ground-based emitters without actively transmitting a signal, allowing the aircraft to operate covertly in contested airspace.
The RAF says this represents a substantial leap forward compared with earlier radar systems, enabling Typhoons to detect, identify and track multiple targets simultaneously, even in high-threat environments.
‘Backbone of UK and Nato air defence’
Defence Secretary John Healey described the upgrade as essential to maintaining Britain’s air security.
“Our Typhoon fleet is the backbone of UK and Nato air defence, operated across Europe by the Royal Air Force and our allies to protect our skies and security,” he said.
“As the threats we face increase, and as Russian drones continue to strike Ukraine and violate Nato airspace, this cutting-edge radar capability will keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad for many years to come.”
Industry partnership to deliver upgrade
Under the contract, BAE Systems, Leonardo UK and Parker Meggitt will work together to integrate the new radar systems across the Typhoon fleet over the coming years.
The programme forms part of a broader effort to ensure the aircraft remains operationally relevant well into the future.
A multirole fighter proven in combat
Originally introduced as the Typhoon F Mk2 for air-to-air combat, the aircraft has since evolved into the FGR Mk4, a highly agile and versatile fourth-generation combat jet.
Today, Typhoon supports a wide range of missions, including:
- Air policing
- Peacekeeping operations
- High-intensity combat missions
The aircraft has been deployed on Operation Ellamy in Libya, Operation Shader in Iraq and Syria, Operation Azotize for Baltic Air Policing and Operation Biloxi for Southern Air Policing in Romania. It also plays a vital role in Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties in the UK and the Falkland Islands.
Typhoons first saw combat during the 2011 Libya intervention.
Investment in long-term readiness
The radar contract follows a separate £205 million deal with QinetiQ, announced earlier, to provide long-term specialist engineering support for the Typhoon fleet.
That investment is intended to support further upgrades and ensure the aircraft remains safe, airworthy and combat-ready for decades to come.
