UK Orders 40 ECRS Mk2 AESA Radars for RAF Typhoon
The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence has awarded a £453.5 million contract for the production of 40 ECRS Mk2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars for the Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoon fleet, the UK Defence Equipment and Support agency confirmed January 22 2026.
The radar order is part of a long-running effort to modernize Typhoon’s sensor suite and electronic warfare abilities under the European Common Radar System (ECRS) programme. Deliveries are scheduled to begin later this decade with installation on Tranche 3 standard aircraft.
New Radar Contract Approved
The full production contract was awarded to a team led by BAE Systems in partnership with Leonardo UK and Parker Meggitt. Manufacturing of the AESA radar hardware will take place at Leonardo’s facilities in Edinburgh and Luton with integration onto Typhoon aircraft at BAE Systems’ Lancashire site.
Defence officials described the radar as a key capability enhancement that will strengthen the Typhoon’s ability to detect, track, and engage multiple threats in increasingly complex air environments. The ECRS Mk2’s design combines advanced search and tracking with embedded electronic attack and suppression functions.
Enhanced Detection and Electronic Warfare
The ECRS Mk2 AESA radar represents a significant step up from the legacy Captor-M mechanically scanned radar. AESA sensors use an electronically steered array of transmit/receive modules to provide rapid beam steering, improved target discrimination, and resilience against electronic countermeasures.
In addition to longer detection range and multirole tracking capabilities, the radar’s electronic warfare functions will enable Typhoons to conduct high-power jamming and support suppression of enemy air defenses missions without dedicated external pods. That marks a shift toward more autonomous electronic attack capability for frontline fighters.
Strategic and Industrial Impact
Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the radar contract as vital to maintaining the RAF’s air defence strength in the face of evolving threats along NATO’s eastern flank. The investment also supports skilled jobs across the UK defence industrial base, with an estimated 1,300 highly skilled positions tied to radar production, integration and sustainment over the coming decade.
The radar upgrade comes as the UK also seeks to sustain and grow its export footprint for Typhoon and associated systems. Other Typhoon operators have adopted or are considering variants of the ECRS radar family, which includes Mk0 and Mk1 versions for international users.
Programme Background
The ECRS Mk2 radar is being developed under a broader phased enhancement programme that the UK MoD values at several billion pounds. Prototype radars have already flown on test aircraft and have undergone ground validation over recent years. Earlier contracts under the overall radar programme have included design, testing, and early production commitments.
The modernized radar is expected to keep the Typhoon competitive against near-peer threats into the 2030s while the UK pursues future combat aircraft technologies through the Tempest/GCAP programme.
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