Upgrades to the U.K. Eurofighter Typhoon, set to replace the Tornado jet by the end of 2018, have entered the operational evaluation, BAE Systems said.

The first phase of enhancements is part of Britain's Project Centurion, which aims to deliver a seamless capability transition from Tornado to Typhoon, BAE said in a statement

Upgrades will offer various new capabilities, including additional human-machine interface technologies, as well as additions to the aircraft air-to-surface targeting capability.

The latest upgrades have successfully undergone trial installation with a Royal Air Force test squadron.

Phase 2 enhancements are up next, which will see the initial integration of the Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and the Storm Shadow stand-off air-to-surface weapon.

Each phase of enhancements will move through joint customer and industry installation, operational evaluation and squadron training before being declared operational.

HAL, Safran announce joint engine partnership
Bengaluru, India (UPI) Oct 24, 2016 - Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., or HAL, and Safran Helicopter Engines announced a new joint venture that will provide maintenance and other services for the Indian military's helicopters.

The partnership will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for Safran TM333 2B2 and HAL Shakti engines installed on HAL-built helicopters operated by India's defense forces, HAL said in a statement.

Officials said the deal with create jobs and boost economic activities in Goa, where the partnership will be based.

It will also improve servicing, including the availability of spares, troubleshooting, field support and design deficiency modifications.

While carrying out overhaul activities in Goa, the agreement will also provide support through certified maintenance centers located centrally at customer bases.

India's military is one of the largest operators of Safran-designed helicopter engines, including 250 TM333 engines and 250 Shakti engines.

Shakti is the Indian designation for the Safran Ardiden 1H1, and powers the HAL-designed light combat helicopter, a 3-ton, single-engine aircraft that made its maiden flight in September.