US-based Leonardo DRS is establishing a British subsidiary and dedicated manufacturing facility as it expands its involvement in UK defense programs. The new operation, known as DRS UK, will produce tactical radar systems designed to detect, track and classify airborne and ground threats, including drones, rockets, artillery and mortars.The radars support several missions, including counter-unmanned aircraft operations, air defense, force protection and active protection. Leonardo DRS said more than 10,000 of its radar panels are already deployed worldwide with the US military, NATO allies and other international customers.The UK investment is expected to generate engineering and manufacturing opportunities while strengthening the company’s regional supply chain. It also builds on Leonardo’s broader involvement in British radar programs.In January, the UK awarded Leonardo UK and BAE Systems a £453.5-million ($600-million) contract to manufacture and deliver 40 production-standard European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 AESA radars for Royal Air Force Typhoons. The ECRS Mk2 is intended to provide advanced sensing and electronic warfare capabilities, including simultaneous detection, identification and tracking of multiple targets and electronic attack in contested electromagnetic environments.For Leonardo DRS, the UK expansion is particularly linked to its RADA counter-UAS business. Britain became an early customer for the company’s hemispheric radar technology after selecting Drone Dome in 2018, while DRS UK will now provide a domestic production base for a wider tactical radar portfolio.
