Typhoon to get £800m radar system
An £800 million deal has been signed for the development of a new electronic radar system for the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency has awarded the contract for Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar capability to Eurofighter Jadgflugzeug GmbH.
Introducing the radar system will further improve the Eurofighter Typhoon's combat effectiveness and support UK jobs, many of which will require security clearance.
Minister for defence equipment, support and technology Philip Dunne said: "The development of this AESA radar is a significant step in delivering technology that will ensure the Royal Air Force is equipped to meet the evolving demands of operations."
"The contract also represents another significant investment in the defence industry in Scotland, sustaining around 500 jobs at Selex ES in Edinburgh," he added.
AESA will give the Eurofighter greater vision than its competitors through simultaneous multi-role air-to-air and air-to-ground tracking of targets with increased fidelity and range.
The signing of the contract, which took place in Scotland, demonstrates the commitment from the countries involved in the Eurofighter Typhoon project. Considerable investment has been made by partner nations and industry to develop the technology required to provide the Eurofighter Typhoon with cutting edge sensor capability.
Weapon enhancements have also recently been made to the aircraft. In July, a £120 million deal was announced to fit them with Storm Shadow missiles, which are capable of defeating various targets, including bridges, airfields, harbours and parked aircraft.
Produced by MBDA, the missiles have previously been used on Tornado GR4 aircraft during operations over Iraq and Libya. They are to be fitted on Typhoon tranche two and three aircraft, which will be ready to enter service with the RAF in 2018.
Mission and target information is loaded onto the weapon's computer before take-off and it is guided to its destination with the aid of a pair of wings that deploy after it is launched.
</