UK invests $1.1bn to buy new ECRS Mk2 radars for Eurofighter Typhoon fighters

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract to supply radars for the Royal Air Force's fighter jets. The aircraft in question are fourth-generation Eurofighter Typhoon European jets.

Here's What We Know

The defence establishment has awarded BAE Systems a £870m ($1.1bn) contract for the ECRS Mk2 radars. They will provide advanced electronic warfare capabilities and enable greater airspace control.

The new agreement is part of a £2.35bn ($3bn) contract announced last summer. The UK government has earmarked the funds for technological improvements to the Eurofighter Typhoon's capabilities.

ECRS is an acronym for European Common Radar System. The new radar is being developed by BAE Systems in conjunction with the UK division of Italian company Leonardo UK. Flight tests of aircraft with ERCS MK2 will take place next year.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a fourth generation fighter. The UK is working with Italy and Japan to develop a sixth-generation aircraft. It will appear in about 12 years, which is the same time as similar platforms from the US and China. The sixth-generation fighter, which Germany, Spain and France are working on, is expected to arrive closer to the beginning of the 2040s.

Source: BAE Systems