Britain on Friday announced a £2.35 billion ($2.78 billion) upgrade to its Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, including a new radar and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.
Defense Procurement Minister Jeremy Quinn told the Royal International Air Show, the world's largest military air show, that the radar, known as the ECRS Mk II, would be installed by the end of the decade, initially on the third batch of Typhoons.
The investment marks the first production contract for the long-planned advanced "electronic attack" or jamming capabilities of the British version of the Eurofighter, which is being developed jointly with Germany, Italy and Spain.
The radar was developed by Leonardo of Italy and will be integrated into the jet by BAE Systems.
Initially it will be installed on the UK's existing 40 Batch 3 Typhoons, RAF chief Air Marshal Mike Wigston told reporters that its "aspiration" is to retrofit 67 Batch 2s. airplane.
Defense analyst Francis Tusa said the overall goal, coupled with the addition of new mission computers, represents a significant mid-cycle upgrade after a series of delays.
Quinn said the project would also preserve high-tech jobs needed to help develop Britain's next generation Tempest fighter jet.
He said the escalation was not directly related to the threat of war in Ukraine, but added: "Of course the horrific events in Ukraine do raise concerns".
Wigston declined to comment on Reuters report that the UK is discussing integrating the Tempest with Japan's planned next-generation fighter jets, but noted that the UK was in discussions with Japan and Italy on some related technologies. cooperation on.
