Leonardo, representing the EuroDASS Consortium, has finalized an agreement to deliver the Praetorian Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS) for the upcoming Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft being provided under the German Quadriga initiative. This contract entails the delivery of 38 of the latest Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to the German Luftwaffe, replacing their Tranche 1 Typhoon models.
The Typhoon’s Praetorian DASS equips the aircraft with state-of-the-art protection against various threats, including Infra-Red (IR or heat-seeking) and radar-guided missiles. This system is highly esteemed by users and has undergone battle validation during peacekeeping operations in Libya and Syria. It amalgamates sensors and electronic warfare jamming capabilities to enhance situational awareness, platform protection, and advanced electronic deception methods.
Importantly, Praetorian is an open and programmable electronic warfare framework. This enables Germany to maintain total control over its mission data, enhancing the survivability of its Typhoons by tailoring the system to the specific conditions encountered on the battlefield for each mission. Mission data can be integrated into the Praetorian system in a remarkably brief period, frequently within just hours. In contrast, other aircraft often rely on defensive aid systems that operate with a generic mission data set, which may require several months for feedback adaptation.
Quadriga signifies a strong endorsement of the Eurofighter Typhoon as it asserts that the platform will serve as the backbone of the Luftwaffe well into the 2060s. This conveys a robust message to prospective future partners, including Finland and Switzerland, who will benefit from a long-term commitment to the Typhoon. Additional opportunities for Typhoon and Praetorian could arise from increased orders from Spain and Germany as well as future export possibilities.
Looking ahead, EuroDASS is eager to facilitate technology development for the next generation of fighters. Praetorian serves as a reliable foundation for evolving future technologies, which will not only enhance the capabilities of the Typhoon but also facilitate essential knowledge and technology transfers into forthcoming combat air systems.
Through the Eurofighter Long Term Evolution (LTE) initiative, EuroDASS collaborates with Eurofighter Partner Companies and Nations to assess national requirements and how they can be addressed efficiently and cost-effectively, ensuring the Typhoon’s capabilities last until its out-of-service date while supporting future air combat initiatives.
