Airbus Enhances Eurofighter for Advanced Electronic Warfare Capabilities

Munich, 29 November 2023 – It is now official: The Eurofighter EK (Electronic Combat) is on the way. Following the recent endorsement by the German budget committee, Airbus will retrofit 15 German Eurofighters for electronic warfare – equipping them with a transmitter location and self-defense system from Saab, alongside “AARGM” anti-radar munitions from the American enterprise Northrop Grumman. The Eurofighter EK is slated for NATO certification by 2030, subsequently replacing the Tornado in the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence) role.

“Electronic warfare and intelligence gathering are crucial NATO necessities: current conflicts and the existing security landscape underline the significance of these capabilities,” states Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schöllhorn. “In this regard, the German government’s resolution to incorporate such a vital capability as electronic warfare into the Eurofighter capability roster is a vital initiative. EK will enhance this essential capability to the already expansive operational range of the Eurofighter while bolstering European sovereignty and independence.”

With the legislative endorsement by the Budget Committee, the Eurofighter is now officially designated as the successor to the Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance). Airbus eagerly anticipates the formal order to incorporate the selected technological solutions into the Eurofighter fleet. The related contract between Eurofighter GmbH, serving as the primary contractor, and NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) is projected to be finalized before the year’s end.

Equipped with Saab’s location system and the Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) from Northrop Grumman, the Eurofighter EK will possess the ability to identify, localize, and neutralize anti-aircraft radar systems. Moreover, the Saab solution includes jammers that enhance the Eurofighter’s self-defense capabilities. The Eurofighter EK also incorporates technologies developed by small to medium-sized enterprises and innovative start-ups. These advancements include an AI solution that enables onboard radar data analysis for rapid determination of precise self-defense strategies.

Airbus is currently collaborating with the BAAINBw procurement office, the German Air Force, and the Bundeswehr Aviation Office to devise a comprehensive timetable for the integration of the chosen EK solutions into the 15 Eurofighters.