After receiving approval from the German budget committee, Airbus will be upgrading 15 German Eurofighter Typhoons with electronic combat capabilities.
The upgrades will include a transmitter location and self-protection system from Saab, as well as Advanced Antiradiation Guided Missiles (AARGM) from Northrop Grumman.
The Eurofighter EK is expected to be NATO-certified by 2030 and will replace the Tornado in the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defense) role.
“Electronic warfare and reconnaissance are an important NATO requirement: current conflicts and the present security situation show how important the two capabilities are,” says Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schöllhorn.
“In this respect, the German government’s decision to include such an important capability as electronic warfare in the Eurofighter capability portfolio is an important measure. EK will add this important capability to the already broad operational spectrum of the Eurofighter while strengthening European sovereignty and autonomy.”
Airbus is now waiting for the official order to integrate the selected technical solutions into the Eurofighter. The contract between Eurofighter GmbH and NETMA is expected to be signed before the end of the year.
The Eurofighter EK will be equipped with Saab’s transmitter location system and AARGM from Northrop Grumman, which will enable it to detect, locate and disable anti-aircraft radars.
The Saab solution also includes jammers that improve the Eurofighter’s self-protection. Additionally, the Eurofighter EK has technologies developed by small and medium-sized enterprises and a start-up, including an AI solution that can analyze radar data on-board and quickly determine precise self-protection measures.
Airbus is currently working with the BAAINBw procurement office, the German Air Force and the Bundeswehr Aviation Office to implement the selected EK solutions in 15 Eurofighters, and a detailed schedule is being developed.
