Investment in high-tech Typhoon Defence System announced

Air July 14, 2017

An investment of £40M to improve the defence of the Typhoon, has been announced by Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon.

The investment will sustain over 100 British jobs at Leonardo’s site in Luton and at BAE Systems in Warton, Lancashire, for the upgrade of the aircraft’s Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS).

Upgrading to the DASS will allow the aircraft to protect itself from a full range of threats, with the new system supporting; Electronic Support Measures, missile warning, on-board electronic countermeasures and towed radar decoys.

The award of the two-year contract comes as Royal Air Force pilots test advanced weapons and software upgrades for the Typhoon.

Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon said: “Our Armed Forces face ever-evolving threats so we must invest in cutting-edge technology to ensure they can operate in hostile theatres. Our growing Defence budget and £178Bn equipment plan makes this possible; giving UK forces the defences they need to protect them, their kit and the people of Britain.

“The RAF’s Typhoon jet is already a state-of-the-art combat aircraft that protects the UK both at home and abroad, but today’s announcement is a clear example of how it is being continually enhanced and upgraded so it remains as effective tomorrow as it is today.”

Chief Executive Officer at the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support organisation, Tony Douglas, said: “This contract is the product of close cooperation between MOD and Industry and comes at an incredibly productive time for Typhoon which has also seen a new package of advanced weapons, software and avionics enhancements being tested by Royal Air Force pilots.

“This upgrade will ensure Typhoon can identify and defeat known and emerging threats and shows that the MOD is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces have the best equipment and technology available to them.”