The Eurofighter EK will be armed with Saab’s transmitter location and self-protection system, along with Northrop Grumman’s “AARGM” anti-radar missiles.
Airbus, following parliamentary approval by the German budget committee, is set to equip 15 German Eurofighters for electronic combat, marking a significant advancement in the Eurofighter’s capabilities. The Eurofighter Electronic Combat (EK) will be armed with Saab’s transmitter location and self-protection system, along with Northrop Grumman’s “AARGM” anti-radar missiles. This strategic move aims to NATO-certify the Eurofighter EK by 2030, positioning it as a successor to the Tornado in the Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) role.
The parliamentary approval sets the stage for Airbus to receive the official order to integrate the selected technical solutions into the Eurofighter. The contract, expected to be signed before the end of 2023 between Eurofighter GmbH and NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency), marks a significant milestone.
“Electronic warfare and reconnaissance are an important NATO requirement: current conflicts and the present security situation show how important the two capabilities are,” said Michael Schöllhorn, CEO, Airbus Defence and Space. “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,” he further added.
Saab’s transmitter location system and Northrop Grumman’s AARGM missiles will empower the Eurofighter EK to detect, localize, and disable anti-aircraft radars. Saab’s solution includes jammers that enhance the Eurofighter’s self-protection capabilities. Additionally, the Eurofighter EK incorporates technologies developed by small and medium-sized enterprises and a startup. Among these is an artificial intelligence (AI) solution designed to analyze radar data onboard swiftly, enabling the rapid determination of precise self-protection measures.
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Airbus, in collaboration with the BAAINBw procurement office, the German Air Force, and the Bundeswehr Aviation Office, is actively developing a detailed schedule for implementing the selected EK solutions in the 15 Eurofighters. This initiative signifies a commitment to advancing the Eurofighter’s capabilities, aligning with evolving security needs and technological advancements in electronic combat.
