Leonardo has secured a contract to upgrade Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS) capability for Eurofighter Typhoon jets operated by the British Royal Air Force (RAF).
The contract has been awarded as RAF pilots test advanced weapons and software upgrades for the Typhoon.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Under the £40m contract, the Typhoon’s Praetorian DASS will be upgraded in order to meet the RAF’s future operational requirements.
The two-year contract forms a part of a continuous capability upgrade to ensure UK Typhoons can identify and defeat known and emerging threats, Leonardo stated.
UK Defence Secretary 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.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“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.”
The contract includes capability work by Leonardo and integration activities by BAE Systems.
It is expected to sustain more than 100 jobs in the country.
The DASS protects the aircraft from air-to-air and surface-to-air threats by monitoring and proactively responding to the operational environment.
It includes electronic support measures, missile warning, onboard electronic countermeasures and towed radar decoys to detect, evaluate and counter threats at maximum range.
The system will allow Typhoon to carry out successful missions such as protecting Britain’s skies as part of Quick Reaction Alert and Op Shader to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
The Typhoon force is currently operational at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, UK, RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, UK, and the Falkland Islands.
