RAF's Typhoons to get 'world's most advanced radar' as part of £2.35bn investment

Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets are to be fitted with the 'world's most advanced radar' as part of a £2.35bn investment, it has been announced.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said the state-of-the-art European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 radar will further transform the Typhoon's control of the air.

The system will bring a world-leading electronic warfare capability which will allow the aircraft to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground, the MOD added.

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Head of the RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston said the radar is a "transformational upgrade" 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," the Chief of the Air Staff said.

The new system will allow pilots to suppress enemy air defences using high-powered jamming and engage with targets from a safe distance.

The ECRS Mk2 is being developed by Leonardo UK in Edinburgh and Luton.

It will be integrated onto the aircraft by BAE Systems in Warton and is set to enter service towards the end of the decade.

Other upgrades as part of the investment will ensure the Typhoon can integrate additional capabilities and weapons later in the decade to counter emerging threats until 2040 and beyond.

This sees Typhoon enhanced with the latest mission computer and cockpit interface, as well as an improved navigation system and signal jamming technology.

Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin said: "It's vital the UK remains at the forefront of military capabilities to be able to deter and defend.

"These technological enhancements will maintain the cutting-edge capabilities of Eurofighter Typhoon and help underpin the development path towards the Future Combat Air System."

The new investment in the Typhoon programme will support 1,300 jobs across the UK.

The Typhoon is the RAF's main Quick Reaction Alert aircraft for UK and Falkland Islands airspace, protecting the skies against potential threats.