Germany recently approved its budget, thus starting, as far as the Defense sector is concerned, the technological upgrade of 15 Eurofighters. Airbus itself confirmed the news by announcing the upgrade of its fighter aircraft to electronic warfare. The aircraft will therefore be equipped with an advanced localization and self-protection system for the transmitters supplied by Saab, together with the "Aargm" anti-radar missiles produced by the American Northrop Grumman.
The Eurofighter Ek (Electronic Combat) will have to obtain NATO certification by 2030, thus preparing to replace the Tornado in the role of Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD).
"Electronic warfare and reconnaissance are key requirements for NATO. Current conflicts and the current security situation highlight the crucial importance of these capabilities,” said Michael Schollhorn, CEO of Airbus Defense and Space. “In this context, the German government's decision to integrate electronic warfare into the Eurofighter's portfolio of capabilities is of enormous relevance. The EK will significantly enrich the operational spectrum of the Eurofighter, while contributing to the strengthening of European sovereignty and autonomy."
The German Luftwaffe plans to progressively decommission the Tornado multi-role bomber starting in 2025 and transfer its capabilities to another weapon system. Since the Eurofighter system is already in use in Germany, it was thought to integrate the capabilities of the aircraft to complement it with the Tornado line, especially in electronic warfare combat. Furthermore, the increased use of the same type of aircraft will lead to significant cost savings, in terms of support services and training thanks to the economy of scale, thus also reducing operating costs “per hour” in the German Armed Forces.
Subscribe to our newsletter!