Funding for a state-of-the art fighter jet radar has been given the green light for take-off in a move that will not only transform the UK’s air defence capabilities but also support innovation across the defence industry.

The investment of £204.6m will go towards the production and integration of the innovative new ECRS Mk2 radar for the Royal Air Force (RAF)’s Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft following successful flight trials which concluded earlier this year.

The radar, which is being delivered by the DE&S Typhoon delivery team, alongside mission partners Leonardo and BAE Systems, will elevate the aircraft’s status as a world-leading electronic warfare capability as it simultaneously detects, identifies, and tracks multiple targets in the air and on the ground.

The funding, confirmed today by Chief Secretary to the Treasury, The Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, secures the critical long-lead elements required to manufacture the radar and comes ahead of a contract for full-rate radar production later this year.

Lyndon Hoyle, Head of Typhoon Delivery Team, Defence Equipment & Support said:

“The UK’s commitment to these long-lead packages in support of series production reflects the growing confidence in the progress being made by UK Industry in developing this state-of-the-art radar and growing maturity of the system design.

“With initial production radars due to become available from 2028, the race is now on to get them integrated as soon as possible through the 4-Nation Eurofighter programme and deliver the battle-winning capability into the hands of the war fighter.”

The ECRS Mk2 is being developed and manufactured by Leonardo in Edinburgh and Luton and will be integrated onto the Typhoon aircraft by BAE Systems in Lancashire.  The project is expected to sustain 1,300 highly skilled jobs in the innovation and technology space across the UK over the next decade.

A prototype ECRS Mk2 radar was flown for the first time on-board an RAF Typhoon aircraft in autumn 2024 and successfully completed a campaign of flight trials in February this year. On current plans the radar is expected to go into service with the RAF by the end of the decade.

Mark Hamilton, Managing Director Electronics UK, Leonardo said:

“With modern conflict demonstrating the importance of electronic warfare to combat operations, we are proud that the UK’s onshore combat air industry is the first in Europe to offer a radar with embedded wideband Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) electronic warfare capabilities through a multi-functional array. Development is running several years ahead of other international efforts, and we expect to have the radar in service with the UK RAF before the end of the decade.”

Richard Hamilton, Managing Director Europe and International, BAE Systems Air, said:

“This commitment to the continued evolution of Typhoon’s capability ensures the RAF maintains its operational advantage. It also sustains the UK’s sovereign combat air skills enabling Typhoon to secure our skies into the future.”