European nations invest in BAE Systems' most advanced fighter pilot helmet

A four-nation consortium behind the Eurofighter Typhoon has awarded BAE Systems a £133 million contract to further develop its Striker II Helmet Mounted-Display (HMD).

Under the new contract BAE Systems engineers will continue to mature the helmet’s capability alongside a programme of flight testing.

The nations involved in the consortium include Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.

The Striker II HMD is one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft helmets which uses the latest technologies to integrate its all-digital night vision system and daylight readable colour display.

Data is displayed directly onto the pilot’s helmet visor, providing them with mission critical information right before their eyes. 

The contract is expected to secure more than 200 highly skilled jobs at the company's combat air facility in Warton, Lancashire, and its Electronic Systems site in Rochester, Kent which specialises in developing helmet mounted displays. 

Richard Hamilton, managing director of Europe & International, BAE Systems Air, said: "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 the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), said: “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.”

Giancarlo Mezzanatto, chief executive of Eurofighter, said: “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.”

BAE Systems is already developing Striker II under a £40 million contract announced by the UK Ministry of Defence in September 2023, which will see the helmet undergo flight trials in the coming months.

The latest investment will fund the next stage of development, ensuring the helmet achieves a production ready standard.

BAE Systems employs more than 11,000 people in its Lancashire operations, with thousands more working in its supply chain.

Lancashire Business View recently reported BAE Systems has seen its order book grow to around £25bn this year amid a continued global rise in defence spending.