BAE, Leonardo to help upgrade Typhoon radar as UK spends £453m

(Sharecast News) - BAE Systems and Italy's Leonardo are to upgrade radar systems on Typhoon fighter jets to counter growing aerial threats from Russia under a £453m investment by the UK government. British Defence Secretary John Healy said the deal would help to secure jobs in the domestic arms-making industry while also help to bolster defences amid growing geopolitical tensions.

"As the threats we face increase, and as Russian drones continue to strike Ukraine and violate NATO airspace, this cutting-edge radar capability will keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad for many years to come," Healey said on Thursday during a visit to ‍Leonardo's facility in Edinburgh.

Earlier this week, the government announced a £205m contract for the long-term provision of specialist Typhoon engineering support by Qinetiq.

The latest contract will see 40 advanced European Common Radar System Mk2 radars fitted to RAF Typhoons, including 38 new systems and modifications to two test systems.

They will simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple targets in the air and on the ground. Leonardo is hopeful that other countries using the fighter will adopt the technology.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com