Proactive Investors - BAE Systems (LON:BAES) has won a £870mln contract from the Ministry of Defence to deliver a new radar to enhance the RAF's Typhoon fighter jet fleet and strengthen the aircraft’s control of the airspace whilst providing cutting-edge electronic warfare capabilities.
The contract will see further development of technology and integration work on the European Common Radar System Mk2 radar by BAE Systems and Leonardo UK. The work is expected to lead to initial flight testing in 2024.
The contract is part of the UK Government announcement made in July 2022, to invest £2.35bn in the continued technology advancements in Typhoon capabilities, as recognition of its long-term role supporting national security and defence priorities.
"Typhoon is a fantastic aircraft which continues to provide crucial support to defence and security operations around the world, including NATO air policing in Eastern Europe," said Andrea Thompson, managing director – Europe & International at BAE Systems’ Air Sector.
BAE said the Typhoon programme supports more than 20,000 jobs across all regions of the UK every year, contributing £1.4bn to the economy annually.