The Eurofighter Typhoon consortium has awarded BAE Systems a £133 million contract to advance the development of the cutting-edge Striker II Helmet Mounted Display (HMD). The project, a joint effort by Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, aims to elevate the helmet’s performance through state-of-the-art engineering and rigorous flight testing.
The Striker II is among the most advanced fighter pilot helmets globally, featuring a fully digital night vision system, a daylight-readable color display, and mission-critical data projection directly onto the visor. These features ensure pilots can access vital information seamlessly, enhancing operational effectiveness in dynamic combat scenarios.
This latest investment will support over 200 highly skilled jobs across BAE Systems’ facilities in Warton, Lancashire, and Rochester, Kent, which are instrumental in developing and refining helmet-mounted display technology. The funding also marks a significant step toward production readiness for the Striker II helmet.
Richard Hamilton, Managing Director for Europe & International at BAE Systems Air, remarked:
“The Striker II helmet aims to give the next generation of Typhoon pilots a crucial advantage in what is an increasingly congested and contested battlespace. This continued investment by the Eurofighter nations secures highly skilled jobs and enables our teams to further develop the helmet’s capabilities and move it another step closer to production.”
Simon Ellard, General Manager of NATO’s Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), emphasized the helmet’s critical role in adapting to evolving operational environments:
“As the operational environment continues to evolve, it is essential that we grow Eurofighter’s capabilities to meet current and future threats. The contract to further develop Striker II’s capabilities will ensure that the Eurofighter remains cutting edge and at the forefront of innovation.”
The contract builds on a £40 million agreement awarded by the UK Ministry of Defence in September 2023, which initiated flight trials of the Striker II helmet. The new funding secures the next phase of development, paving the way for production standards.
Giancarlo Mezzanatto, Chief Executive of Eurofighter, highlighted the significance of the investment:
“Eurofighter has always been at the forefront of technological advancement, and this contract – to further develop Striker II – will ensure that Typhoon pilots continue to fly a world-leading aircraft, wearing a world-leading all-digital helmet. The contract award is also great news for the programme, as the international commitment to the development of the helmet will provide full synergies across our Air Forces.”
The Striker II development reinforces the Eurofighter programme’s focus on maintaining its edge in the face of rapidly evolving global threats, ensuring that Typhoon pilots remain equipped with unparalleled technological capabilities.