Leonardo DRS Launches UK Tactical Radar Production for European Market

Leonardo DRS has established a new UK subsidiary and launched local production of tactical radar systems, creating a new manufacturing base aimed at supporting growing demand for counter-UAS, air-defense and force-protection capabilities across the United Kingdom and Europe.

The U.S.-based defense technology company announced on October 5 that the newly formed DRS UK will operate from a purpose-built production site and serve as a strategic hub for its tactical radar business in the UK and wider European market. 

The company said the new operation will provide local manufacturing capacity as well as closer support for UK defense customers, industrial partners and system integrators.

Leonardo DRS tactical radars are designed to detect, track and classify a range of aerial and ground threats, including unmanned aircraft systems as well as rockets, artillery and mortars.

The systems can be used for missions including counter-UAS, air defense, force protection and active protection systems. 

According to Leonardo DRS, more than 10,000 radar panels are already deployed worldwide with the U.S. Armed Forces, NATO allies and other international customers.

The company did not disclose which radar models will initially be produced in the United Kingdom, nor did it announce the value of the investment, production capacity or specific European customers connected to the new facility.

European expansion

Leonardo DRS said the UK site is intended to strengthen its industrial presence in Europe at a time when demand for tactical air-surveillance and counter-drone systems is increasing.

John Baylouny, president and CEO of Leonardo DRS, said the local manufacturing capability is intended to improve the company's ability to work directly with UK customers and industrial partners while expanding production capacity.

Max Cohen, who oversees the company's tactical radar portfolio, said the investment would also support supply-chain resilience and future export growth from the UK into European markets. 

The move gives Leonardo DRS a more permanent European manufacturing footprint for a product category that has become increasingly important as NATO countries expand short-range air-defense and counter-UAS capabilities.

For Central and Eastern European defense markets, the UK hub could also provide Leonardo DRS with a closer production and support base for future European radar and counter-drone procurements, although the company has not announced any new CEE contracts as part of the October 5 announcement.