Eurofighter consortium invests in BAE Systems’ Striker II HMD

The Eurofighter consortium has awarded BAE Systems a GBP 133 million (EUR 161.6 million) contract to further develop its Striker II helmet-mounted display (HMD), the company reported on 11 December 2024.

Under the new contract the four-nation Eurofighter consortium – which combines companies from Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK – has tasked BAE Systems with continuing to mature the helmet’s capability alongside a programme of flight testing.

Eurofighter combines BAE Systems, with its 33% stake, with Italy’s Leonardo (21%) and the German and Spanish entities of Airbus Defence and Space (46%).

One of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft helmets, the Striker II HMD 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 mission-critical information right before the pilot’s eyes.

BAE Systems is already developing the Striker II under a GBP 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.

“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,” Richard Hamilton, managing director for Europe and international business at BAE Systems Air, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “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.”

“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,” added Giancarlo Mezzanatto, chief executive of Eurofighter. “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 contract is expected to secure more than 200 highly skilled jobs at BAE Systems’ combat air facility in Warton, Lancashire, and its Electronic Systems site in Rochester, Kent, which specialises in developing HMDs.