Raytheon Technologies has secured a £1.3 billion contract modification with the UK Ministry of Defence to upgrade the Royal Navy's radar system. The contract, announced by the Ministry of Defence on 19 July 2026, involves the upgrade of the Type 997 radar system, which is used on the Royal Navy's Type 23 and Type 26 frigates. The upgrade aims to enhance the system's capabilities and improve its effectiveness in detecting and tracking airborne targets. The contract is part of the UK's ongoing efforts to modernise its naval capabilities and improve its ability to respond to emerging threats. The upgrade is expected to be completed in the coming years, with the exact timeline dependent on the successful completion of various milestones. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence stated that the upgrade is a key component of the UK's naval modernisation programme, which aims to ensure the Royal Navy remains a highly effective and capable force in the years to come.
The Type 997 radar system is a critical component of the Royal Navy's air defence capabilities, providing early warning and tracking of airborne targets. The upgrade is expected to improve the system's performance and reliability, allowing the Royal Navy to maintain its ability to detect and engage airborne threats. The contract with Raytheon Technologies is the latest in a series of upgrades and modernisations to the Royal Navy's radar systems, which have been ongoing since 2020. The upgrades are designed to ensure the Royal Navy remains a highly effective and capable force, capable of responding to emerging threats in the years to come.