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| Lee Wilson |
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| The European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) features prominently in upgrades to the RAF's Eurofighter Typhoons. |
Last week, Jeremy Quinn, UK defence procurement minister, confirmed a £2.35 billion ($2.8 billion) upgrade for the Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoons. The work involves fitting the new European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) active-array radar, which includes electronic attack functions. The aircraft will also receive Phase 4 software that will provide task-based management to the pilot and other enhancements such as protection against electronic interference.
“This is the single biggest capability boost since the introduction of the Typhoon,” said Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, Chief of the Air Staff. He said that one of the lessons already learned from the war in Ukraine is that electronic attack and defense is a fundamental requirement. Wigston confirmed that the first radar trial set will fly next year, with conversion of the RAF’s entire fleet of Tranche 3 Typhoons by the end of the decade. The Tranche 2 aircraft might follow, but will in any case receive the software update.
The RAF plans to retire its Tranche 1 Typhoons by the end of the decade, leaving a fleet of 107 Tranche 2 and 3 jets. Wigston said that those aircraft will continue in service to beyond 2040.
Royal Air Force Typhoon jets to receive key sensor upgrade
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