July 13, 2017 11.56 am This story is over 80 months old

RAF Coningsby Typhoon fighter jets to receive £40m upgrades

Typhoon fighter jets based at RAF Coningsby will be among a number of aircraft receiving £40 million ‘cutting edge’ improvements. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced the improvements will enable the Typhoons to continue carrying out missions, enabling them to protect the UK’s airspace and continue missions over Iraq and Syria. The contract has been awarded…
Typhoon jets at RAF Coningsby.

Typhoon fighter jets based at RAF Coningsby will be among a number of aircraft receiving £40 million ‘cutting edge’ improvements.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced the improvements will enable the Typhoons to continue carrying out missions, enabling them to protect the UK’s airspace and continue missions over Iraq and Syria.

The contract has been awarded to UK-based company Leonardo and will upgrade the aircraft’s Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS), which protects it from both enemy planes and missiles launched from the ground.

It will run over two years and sustain 65 jobs at the company’s site in Luton as well as 41 jobs at BAE Systems in Lancashire.

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.

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