RAF Typhoon fleet to receive world’s most advanced AESA radar

As part of a £2.35 billion modernization program, RAF Typhoon fighters will be equipped with the advanced AESA ECRS Mk2 radar.

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According to information released by the UK Ministry of Defense, the state-of-the-art ECRS Mk2 (for European Common Radar System Mk2) radar is vital to the Typhoon’s battlefield control, and will enable the aircraft to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground in the most challenging operating environments.

It also equips pilots with the ability to suppress enemy air defences using high-powered jamming and engage targets whilst beyond the reach of threats.

In addition, as part of the investment negotiated for the modernization plan, the Typhoons fleet will be upgraded with the latest in mission management and cockpit interface to exploit the range of radar capabilities, as well as an upgraded navigation system and enemy radar jamming technology.

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The work also ensures the aircraft can integrate additional capabilities and weapons later in the decade to counter emerging threats until 2040 and beyond if required.

The ECRS Mk2 will enter service towards the end of the decade. It is a project that was developed by BAE Systems and Leonardo UK and will serve as a springboard for the development of future sensor systems that will equip the Tempest, the result of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program.

The 40 British Typhoon tranche 3s will be upgraded with the new radar, with the option to upgrade the earlier tranche 2s with it as well. The modernization program for the Typhoon fighter fleet was previously outlined by the UK Ministry of Defense in its Defense Equipment Plan 2021 – 2031, which sets out the roadmap for the modernization strategy of its Armed Forces over the next decade.