BAE Systems said fast jets enter service with an initial set of capabilities that develop over time. It said Typhoon’s early upgrades focused on immediate operational needs, while the aircraft is now in a steep phase of capability growth.
Typhoon is currently operated by nine air forces across Europe and the Middle East. The company said the aircraft will add a tenth customer when it enters service in Türkiye.
BAE Systems said Typhoon has built a reputation for capability, reliability and safety. Its development has been driven by investments in sensors, mission systems and weapons, adding to the agility and power built into the aircraft from the start.
A major element of that work is the European Common Radar System. BAE Systems said the radar is already combat proven with air forces in Qatar and Kuwait.
The next standard, ECRS Mk2, is being developed by the UK and will bring advanced electronic attack capability. The company said this forms part of wider work to keep Typhoon effective against emerging threats.
BAE Systems said Typhoon has moved from an air superiority fighter to a true multi-role aircraft. Its weapons capability now includes Meteor, Brimstone and Storm Shadow.
The company said these developments make Typhoon a key choice to secure the skies over Europe. It said current threats are driving faster capability growth as the aircraft maintains air superiority while countering advanced surface-to-air missiles and electronic warfare systems.
The integration of APKWS is aimed at providing a low-cost precision weapon against uncrewed air systems. BAE Systems said adding the weapon to Typhoon’s arsenal will help the aircraft meet that threat.
The company said the work with the Royal Air Force moved from concept to an initial firing trial in six months. After the initial air-to-surface trial, it took less than two months to bring the weapon onto RAF Typhoons operating over the Middle East.
BAE Systems said the speed of delivery showed how quickly its engineering teams could respond to customer requirements. It said the initial capability was delivered from concept to first firing in just six months.
Together with Eurofighter industry partners Airbus and Leonardo, BAE Systems has continued to invest in Typhoon. In 2024, the programme’s core partner nations, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, also committed investment to continue capability development.
BAE Systems engineers have rapidly developed a new mission computer for the aircraft. The company said it can handle large volumes of data and process it 200 times faster.
The company is also developing capabilities such as ECRS Mk2, integrating new weapons and ensuring interoperability with crewed and uncrewed aircraft. BAE Systems said the latest evolution is intended to keep Typhoon a formidable adversary and a force multiplier within a networked force.
