New electronic warfare radar, which can locate, identify and suppress air defences, takes to the skies after development in Lancashire.

The European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) will equip RAF pilots in its latest step in the ongoing development programme for the UK Typhoon fleet and strengthen the aircraft’s control of the airspace.

Supported by the radar’s developer, Leonardo UK, the prototype operated on a UK Typhoon test and evaluation at BAE Systems, located near Blackburn.

Whilst it provides traditional radar functions such as search and targeting it also provides advanced electronic warfare capabilities, adding a potent attack to NATO’s frontline fleet.

This will allow Typhoons to locate and deny use of any adversary’s radar with more powerful electronic jamming capabilities, whilst remaining out of reach of threats.

Air Commodore Nick Lowe, head of capability delivery combat air and Typhoon senior responsible officer for the Royal Air Force, said: "Evolution of Typhoon’s air combat capability is paramount to ensure it continues to deter potential aggressors, defend our nation and defeat our adversaries wherever we need to fly and fight whether for the UK or in our staunch support to the NATO alliance.

“This first flight of this ECRS Mk2 prototype new radar in the test aircraft is a positive step towards ensuring this."

The development of the radar supported 600 jobs across the UK’s combat air industry and retains the UK's capabilities to develop and integrate cutting-edge systems into frontline combat aircraft such as Typhoon.

Andy Holden, radar delivery director at BAE Systems, said: “Through this work, we’re directly supporting critical know-how and sustaining hundreds of highly skilled jobs.”

The processor, receiver, antenna power supply and control units have all been re-engineered to further enhance the capacity, capability and performance in alignment with electronic warfare capability.

Having flown its first flight, it follows a programme of integration through ground-based testing and delivered by a successful collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment and Support, the RAF and industry.

Tim Bungey, chief engineer for ECRS Mk2 at Leonardo UK, added: “The development of the ECRS Mk2 is fully using the UK’s world-class radar design skills."