Eurofighter consortium awards BAE Systems contract to advance Striker II helmet development

The Striker II HMD is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced fighter pilot helmets. It integrates cutting-edge technology, including an all-digital night vision system and a daylight-readable colour display. Mission-critical data is projected directly onto the visor, ensuring that pilots have essential information readily available.

This contract will support more than 200 highly skilled jobs across BAE Systems’ combat air facility in Warton, Lancashire, and its Electronic Systems site in Rochester, Kent. These sites are pivotal in the development of helmet-mounted display technologies and will play a significant role in achieving production readiness for the Striker II helmet.

Commenting on the development, Richard Hamilton, Managing Director – Europe & International at BAE Systems Air, stated: “The Striker II helmet aims to give the next generation of Typhoon pilots a crucial advantage in what is an increasingly congested and contested battlespace. This continued investment by the Eurofighter nations secures highly skilled jobs and enables our teams to further develop the helmet’s capabilities and move it another step closer to production.”

The investment underscores the Eurofighter programme’s focus on adapting to evolving operational environments. Simon Ellard, General Manager of the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), remarked: “As the operational environment continues to evolve, it is essential that we grow Eurofighter’s capabilities to meet current and future threats. The contract to further develop Striker II’s capabilities will ensure that the Eurofighter remains cutting edge and at the forefront of innovation.”

This contract builds on a £40 million agreement awarded by the UK Ministry of Defence in September 2023. That contract initiated flight trials of the Striker II helmet, with the latest funding securing the next phase of development to bring the helmet closer to production standards.

Giancarlo Mezzanatto, Chief Executive of Eurofighter, emphasised the strategic importance of the investment: “Eurofighter has always been at the forefront of technological advancement, and this contract – to further develop Striker II – will ensure that Typhoon pilots continue to fly a world-leading aircraft, wearing a world-leading all-digital helmet. The contract award is also great news for the programme, as the international commitment to the development of the helmet will provide full synergies across our Air Forces.”