A GLOBAL aerospace company based in the United Kingdom will provide support for the radar and defensive aids on the fleets of Typhoon jet fighters for the air forces of Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.

The UK company - BAE Systems - has been awarded a five-and-a-half-year contract worth more than 400 million pounds by the Typhoon's manufacturer, Eurofighter GmbH. BAE said its customers would benefit from improved reliability, delivering a more efficient and cost-effective frontline capability.

Eurofighter not only represents the largest European industrial programme, supporting 100,000 jobs in 400 companies across the Continent, but it is also the most advanced example of technology within the European industry base.

BAE Systems has system-level design responsibility for the radar and defensive aids sub systems (DASS) equipment on the Typhoon swing-role fighter aircraft and will operate as the prime contractor for the contract that will be delivered in conjunction with Euroradar and Eurodass - two international consortiums.

The company has worked with Selex Galileo (as leading contractor for both consortiums) and the UK Ministry of Defence Typhoon team in a partnered approach for more than 18 months developing an integrated, engineering-driven support solution. This will provide a range of services leading to much-reduced support costs, improved reliability of equipment and the transfer of risk to industry, traditionally held by the customer.

The new solution was designed with both the operator and budget holder in mind. Customers will see a two-fold benefit because improved product reliability will lead to increased aircraft availability and lower repair costs.

The contract will achieve a significant element of the UK Ministry of Defence's cost reduction targets for Typhoon and will demonstrate a 50-per-cent saving on the previous repair contract for the radar and DASS.

It changes the current repair contracting method for Typhoon by placing an incentive on BAE Systems to resolve technical problems more quickly and to reduce continually the volume of repair activity undertaken.

Chris Boardman, managing director of Typhoon Mission Support & International Programmes at BAE Systems, said: "Our customers will benefit from improved reliability and a reduction in support costs allowing them to deliver a more efficient and cost-effective frontline capability. This solution also demonstrates the continuous progress BAE Systems is making to establish a successful through-life business. Signature of this contract is great news for the whole Typhoon team - both the four-nation air forces and industry."

In March 2009, BAE Systems was awarded a five-year, 450 million pounds contract by the UK Ministry of Defence for the maintenance and support of Royal Air Force Typhoons, to meet current and future operational commitments. Linked to this contract, the company opened a new Typhoon support centre and maintenance facility at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, England, on 30 September.

Through-life support for large combat aircraft programmes will be a significant element of BAE Systems' business going forward. The company was awarded a three-year support contract for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) Typhoon fleet recently. This contract includes training in the UK for RSAF Typhoon pilots and Typhoon multi-skilled aircraft technicians.

The aircraft has been selected by the air forces of Austria, Italy, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia and the UK, with further export opportunities being pursued in other markets.

BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With about 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded 18.5 billion pounds (34.4bn dollars) in 2008.