UK Typhoon Jets to Receive £453m Radar Upgrade to Stay Ahead of Adversaries
Defence Secretary John Healey has announced a significant £453 million investment to equip RAF Typhoon fighter jets with state-of-the-art radar systems, describing the move as crucial for maintaining the UK's air defence superiority.
Securing Skilled Jobs and National Security
During a visit to Leonardo UK's Edinburgh facility on Thursday, Mr Healey confirmed the substantial contract that will secure hundreds of skilled positions across the country. The investment is expected to protect 300 jobs in Edinburgh, 120 in Lancashire, and over 100 in Luton for at least the next decade.
"I'm able today to confirm a half-billion-pound investment in your new radar system," Mr Healey told staff during his visit. "The majority of that work will be here in Edinburgh that will secure at least 300 jobs for the next decade and more."
Advanced Capabilities for Future Threats
The new European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 represents a significant technological leap forward for the Typhoon fleet. The advanced radar systems will enable RAF pilots to detect, identify, and track multiple targets simultaneously in both air and ground environments.
Perhaps most significantly, the upgraded systems will incorporate sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities. "They'll also be able to jam the most advanced enemy systems," Mr Healey emphasised, highlighting how this technology would keep British pilots and aircraft ahead of potential adversaries.
Strategic Importance and Industry Impact
The Defence Secretary previously described the Typhoon as the "backbone of UK and Nato air defence," and stated that this investment would "keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad for many years to come." The announcement comes as part of the government's broader commitment to upgrade RAF Typhoons, with the aircraft expected to remain in service until at least the 2040s.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander welcomed the contract award, noting that it demonstrated "just how vital Scottish expertise is to the UK's national security, and why Scotland is globally recognised as a centre of defence excellence." He added that this represented "the latest in an impressive line of defence dividend wins for Scotland."
Industry Perspective and Export Potential
Mark Stead, senior vice-president of radar and advanced targeting at Leonardo UK, explained the system's capabilities: "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, adapting to new and unpredictable threats."
The contract will support over 71 UK-based suppliers, and industry leaders hope the advanced system will see wider adoption by other Typhoon export users given its sophisticated capabilities against current and future threats.
Broader Defence Investment Context
This announcement follows closely on the heels of another significant defence contract earlier this week, when the government announced a £205 million agreement for specialist Typhoon engineering support with QinetiQ. Combined, these investments demonstrate the government's commitment to positioning defence as an "engine for growth" that creates skilled employment while strengthening national security.
The radar upgrade programme will see 40 advanced ECRS Mk2 systems fitted to RAF Typhoons, including 38 completely new installations and modifications to two existing test systems. This technological enhancement comes at a time of increased pressure on Nato alliances and evolving global security challenges, making such investments in defence capabilities particularly timely and strategic.
