Eurofighter EK (Electronic Combat) will be the successor of to the German Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance)

Airbus will equip 15 German Eurofighters for electronic combat by integrating a transmitter location and self-protection system from Saab and “AARGM” anti-radar missiles from Northrop Grumman, in a move that will finally set the Eurofighter EK (Electronic Combat) as the successor to the German Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance).

The decision follows the recent greenlight by the German Budget Committee of the Parliament. The Eurofighter EK will be NATO-certified by 2030 and then replace the Tornado in the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence) role.

With Saab’s transmitter location system and the Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) from Northrop Grumman, the Eurofighter EK will be able to detect, localise and turn off anti-aircraft radars. In addition, the Saab solution has jammers that improve the Eurofighter’s self-protection.

Besides the three multinationals, a number of small and medium-sized enterprises and a start-up contributed to the development of technologies that will be put on board the Eurofighter EK.

Among the solutions is an AI tool  that enables analysing radar data on-board and quickly determining precise self-protection measures.

“Electronic warfare and reconnaissance are an important NATO requirement: current conflicts and the present security situation show how important the two capabilities are,” said 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 looking forward to the official order to integrate the selected technical solutions into the Eurofighter. The corresponding contract between Eurofighter GmbH, as prime contractor, and NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) should be signed before the end of the year.

Airbus is currently working with the BAAINBw procurement office, the German Air Force and the Bundeswehr Aviation Office on a detailed schedule to implement the selected EK solutions in 15 Eurofighters.