The UK defense ministry has revealed plans to invest £2.35 billion into radar and anti-jamming technology upgrades for the Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Tornado fleet.
The European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk 2 radar that will be integrated will further enhance the Typhoon’s control of the air, bringing electronic warfare capability which will allow the aircraft to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground.
It will also equip pilots with the ability to suppress enemy air defenses using high-powered jamming and engage targets whilst beyond the reach of threats.
The work that is to be carried out will also ensure the aircraft can integrate additional capabilities and weapons later in the decade to counter emerging threats until 2040 and beyond.
This will include the addition of an enhanced mission computer and cockpit interface, as well as an improved navigation system and signal jamming technology.
The announcement on the funding for the upgrade follows £317 million in funding from 2020 for the development of the ECRS Mk2 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
Germany and Spain have also committed to the development of their own version of the AESA radar for the Eurofighter.
ECRS Mk2 will be delivered into service towards the end of the decade, the UK defense ministry said. The technology is being developed by Leonardo UK in Edinburgh and Luton and integrated by BAE Systems in Warton.
“The ECRS Mk2 radar is a transformational upgrade for our Typhoon aircraft, and a step change in capability. It will ensure Typhoon is ready and able to protect our skies into the future, in the face of fast-evolving threats to the UK and our allies,” Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, said.
