The Ministry of Defence has set out fresh detail on two major upgrade pathways for the RAF’s Typhoon fleet, confirming that both the Phase 4 Enhancement (P4E) package and the new electronically scanned radar remain on track for delivery before 2030.
The updates came in response to written parliamentary questions from Conservative MP James Cartlidge on 26 November.
Cartlidge pressed ministers on when the government plans to place a contract for the Typhoon’s P4E electronics upgrade, flagged in the MoD’s October announcement of Türkiye’s purchase of 20 Typhoons. Defence Minister Luke Pollard described P4E as “an essential enabler for the implementation of the next generation radar enhancement” and confirmed that work has been underway since the System Definition Contract was signed in June 2024.
The UK has been working with Germany, Spain, Italy and NETMA to finalise the full P4E capability package. Pollard said the upgrade will then move into the design, development and demonstration phase, with “delivery of the P4E package planned to take place by the end of this decade.” The four core nations have already authorised early design work to protect long-lead items and avoid delays.
In a second written answer, Cartlidge sought clarity on the timetable for procurement of the new E-Scan radar, another centrepiece of the Typhoon modernisation effort. Pollard said the UK has already invested heavily in the programme, including “over £200 million released earlier this year… following the successful completion of initial flight trials in February.”
He reiterated that Britain, alongside industry and its European partners, remains committed to fielding the radar on the RAF’s Typhoons “by the end of this decade.”
I think the UK would be wise to buy another 40-50 Typhoons. A sixth-gen fighter seems a long way off. Current numbers are thin. Why not build a proven, competitive platform with the new radar? The strategic skies are darkening. Time is of the essence.
Unfortunately there is no funding or intent for any more Typhoons at the moment. The Radar upgrade is as far as it goes, any extra will go to the F35 of whatever flavour.
I will result in the airframe hours use per aircraft will increase, using up the expectant life of the remaining Typhoons in the shrinking fleet!
Makes sense.
Maybe even half that number and if could be delivered well within this decade? While waiting for the F35B and As and whatever missiles that can be attached, why not some additionals for the Typhoons like Spear 3/JSM/Marte, even for the P8s? Unless FCASW is just around the corner?
Sometimes I wonder what’s the point anyway. Nobody is held accountable to the timeline. There are no consequences to anything. If it happens it happens, if it doesn’t, shrug and move it right.
Conventional defence is a deterrence. The worse our capability gets, the higher the likelihood of existential war gets. That’s the point. Unfortunately it’s not taught that way in school and politicians can sleep at night, wrapped in the arms of ignorance.
instead of a radar upgrade – why don’t we use the money to buy more typhoons, its a fair old chunk of change for a radar upgrade
Unfortunately to buy new Typhoon or upgrade our existing Tranche 3 with ECRS Mk.2 we have to do this work regardless.
If the radar trial was a success, the components must exist. Get building new radars FFS!!!!