An aerospace firm has won a multi-million-pound contract to develop its fighter pilot helmet technology.

The consortium behind the Eurofighter Typhoon has awarded BAE Systems £133 million to enhance its Striker® II Helmet Mounted-Display (HMD).

Under the new contract, which covers aircraft used by Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, the Rochester-based company’s engineers will continue to improve what the helmet can do alongside a programme of flight testing.

The Striker II HMD is one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft helmets.

It features an all-digital night vision system and a daylight readable colour display.

Data is shown directly on the pilot’s helmet visor, providing them with critical information.

The contract is expected to secure more than 200 highly skilled jobs at the company’s Rochester base and at its combat air facility in Warton, Lancashire.

Richard Hamilton, managing director for Europe and international at 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 £40m contract announced by the UK Ministry of Defence in September last year.

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That work will see the helmet undergo flight trials in the coming months.

The latest investment will fund the next stage of development.