he UK Government has committed £204.6 million in funding to advance the production and integration of a cutting-edge radar system for the Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. The ECRS Mk2 (European Common Radar System Mark 2) is set to significantly enhance the Typhoon’s air dominance capabilities, delivering state-of-the-art electronic warfare functionality and enabling the jet to simultaneously detect, track, and identify multiple airborne and ground targets.
This investment covers the essential elements needed for radar production and integration, and it sets the stage for a full-scale production contract anticipated later in 2025. The system is being developed and built by Leonardo UK at its facilities in Edinburgh and Luton, with BAE Systems responsible for integrating the radar onto the aircraft at its site in Warton, Lancashire.
Radar Programme Progress
The funding follows a successful flight test campaign and extensive ground evaluations of the ECRS Mk2 prototype, which concluded earlier this year at BAE Systems’ Warton site. The results confirmed the system’s capabilities and readiness for further development and deployment.
Economic and Industrial Impact
This investment directly supports 1,300 skilled jobs within the UK defence and aerospace sectors, including approximately 400 positions at Leonardo and over 300 at BAE Systems. These roles are concentrated primarily in Scotland and the North West of England, reinforcing the region’s strategic importance to the UK’s defence industry.
Across the Typhoon programme, BAE Systems employs around 5,000 people in the North West, contributing to a wider economic impact that supports over 20,800 jobs across the UK.
Export Success and Long-Term Value
The UK’s total investment in the Typhoon programme has reached £12 billion to date. In return, export sales of the aircraft have already more than doubled that investment, with potential for further growth as international interest continues.
Strategic Advantage
The ECRS Mk2 radar will deliver a step-change in the RAF Typhoon’s operational capability, allowing it to perform complex missions in contested environments while providing a technological edge over evolving threats. This investment underscores the UK’s commitment to maintaining a world-class, combat-ready air force and sustaining its position as a global leader in defence technology and innovation.
Photo Rob Vogelaar
