BAE Systems Awarded £453M Contract for RAF Typhoon ECRS Mk2 Radar

BAE Systems Secures £453 Million Contract to Equip RAF Typhoons with Advanced ECRS Mk2 Radar

BAE Systems has been awarded a significant production contract valued at £453 million (approximately $609 million) by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to upgrade the Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. The agreement focuses on the delivery of the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2, a next-generation radar systems designed to transform the Typhoon’s combat capabilities.

According to the official announcement, the contract covers the production of 40 radar systems, which will be retrofitted onto the RAF’s Tranche 3 Typhoon aircraft. This upgrade is pivotal for maintaining the airframe’s operational relevance into the 2040s. Unlike traditional radar upgrades that focus primarily on detection range, the ECRS Mk2 introduces advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) and Electronic Attack (EA) functionalities, allowing the aircraft to operate effectively in highly contested environments.

The program is a collaborative effort involving BAE Systems, which leads the integration from its site in Warton, Lancashire, and Leonardo UK, the lead developer and manufacturer based in Edinburgh and Luton. The project is expected to sustain between 1,300 and 1,500 high-skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs across the United Kingdom.

Production Timeline and Scope

The £453 million investment moves the ECRS Mk2 program from the development phase into full-scale manufacturing. Under the terms of the deal, BAE Systems and Leonardo will deliver a total of 40 units. This includes 38 operational radars for the fleet and two units designated for testing and development.

The timeline provided by BAE Systems and the MoD outlines the following key milestones:

• 2027: Delivery of the first pre-production radar to BAE Systems for initial flight testing.
• 2030: Expected entry into service (Initial Operational Capability) for the RAF.

This production contract follows an initial £2.35 billion investment announced in 2022, which covered broader Phase 4 Enhancements for the Typhoon, including the early development of this radar system.

Technical Leap: Beyond Standard Radar

The ECRS Mk2 represents a distinct technological departure from other Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars currently in use or production for the Eurofighter consortium. While standard AESA radars improve target detection and tracking, the Mk2 is built around a wideband multifunction array utilizing Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology.

GaN transmit-receive modules allow for significantly higher power output and efficiency compared to older Gallium Arsenide technology. This power enables the ECRS Mk2 to perform simultaneous functions that were previously the domain of specialized electronic warfare aircraft. Specifically, the radar can actively jam enemy air defense systems and disrupt communications (Electronic Attack) while continuing to search for and track targets.

Mark Hamilton, Managing Director Electronics UK at Leonardo, emphasized the dual nature of the system in a statement:

“ECRS Mk2 isn’t just an exceptional radar, it’s equipped with advanced electronic surveillance and electronic attack capabilities which will make RAF’s Typhoons more potent against their adversaries.”

Strategic Significance and Future Proofing

The deployment of the ECRS Mk2 is framed as a critical response to evolving global threats. The MoD has explicitly cited the proliferation of advanced surface-to-air missile systems and the increasing threat of drones as drivers for this capability. By integrating high-powered jamming directly into the fighter’s primary sensor, the RAF aims to ensure the Typhoon can survive and operate inside the range of hostile air defenses.

John Healey, the UK Defence Secretary, highlighted the geopolitical context of the award:

“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.”

Furthermore, the technology developed for the ECRS Mk2 serves as a bridge to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the sixth-generation fighter initiative being pursued by the UK, Italy, and Japan. The intellectual property and engineering expertise gained from the Mk2 program are expected to de-risk the development of future sensors for GCAP.

Richard Hamilton, Managing Director (Europe & International) at BAE Systems Air, noted the long-term value of the contract:

“The continued investment in Typhoon capability is crucial and ensures we’re able to maximise the UK’s investment in the aircraft and accelerate combat air technologies critical for defence capabilities.”

AirPro News Analysis: The Divergent “Radar Family”

The ECRS Mk2 contract underscores a significant divergence within the Eurofighter consortium regarding radar modernization. While the airframe remains common, the sensor suites are becoming increasingly specialized by nation. It is vital for observers to distinguish the Mk2 from its counterparts to understand the RAF’s specific strategic posture.

Currently, the “Radar Family” includes three distinct variants:

• ECRS Mk0 (Captor-E): Selected by Qatar and Kuwait, this is the baseline AESA radar replacing the mechanical scanning units. It focuses on traditional air-to-air and air-to-ground detection.
• ECRS Mk1: Chosen by Germany and Spain, this variant adds new digital multi-channel receivers to the Mk0 baseline but retains a primary focus on traditional radar modes.
• ECRS Mk2: Selected solely by the United Kingdom. This variant features a completely new antenna and processor designed specifically for Electronic Warfare.

By opting for the Mk2, the UK has prioritized sovereign Electronic Attack capability over commonality with its German and Spanish partners. This decision reflects a doctrine that anticipates the Typhoon operating as a “quarterback” or high-end asset in contested airspace, rather than just an interceptor. The Mk2 effectively allows the Typhoon to perform some of the suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) missions that might otherwise require US support assets like the EA-18G Growler.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of the ECRS Mk2 contract?

The production contract awarded to BAE Systems is valued at £453 million (approximately $609 million).

When will the new radar enter service?

Flight testing is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the system expected to be operational (Initial Operational Capability) by 2030.

How does the ECRS Mk2 differ from other Typhoon radars?

Unlike the Mk0 and Mk1 variants used by other nations, the UK’s Mk2 utilizes a specialized wideband array capable of high-powered Electronic Attack (jamming) alongside traditional radar tracking.

Sources

• BAE Systems