The long-awaited decision follows a ground test programme that has been completed on a Eurofighter Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft. The work undertaken by engineers at BAE Systems’ flight test facility in Warton, Lancashire, supported by teams from Leonardo UK who developed the radar at its Edinburgh and Luton sites, included electromagnetic testing in a unique anechoic chamber to ensure the radar works with the aircraft’s systems.
The ECRS Mk 2 programme has achieved several positive milestones in the last four months, including successfully completing the critical design review (CDR) of the production radar system in June 2024.While no specific date was provided, the statement from the official represents a major step forward for the UK's Eurofighter modernisation programme, which includes the installation of the ECRS Mk 2 on forty Tranche 3 aircraft.
This consolidates the RAF's fleet around this version (along with the Tranche 2s), while the older aircraft (Tranche 1s) will be phased out from 2025.