Wolfgang Gammel: Of course. We already presented our concept for the Eurofighter ECR in November 2019 at the International Fighter Conference in Berlin. This Eurofighter will have passive emitter localisation, active threat jamming and an electronic attack capability. It will also be able to disrupt enemy air defences (conducting Suppression of Enemy Air Defence – SEAD - operations) or even completely destroy them (Destruction of Enemy Air Defence – DEAD). MilTech: There is also talk of development of additional operational capabilities, planned for the so-called P4E programme. What can you tell us about this? Wolfgang Gammel: With the so-called Capability Enhancement Programmes (P1E, P2E and P3E), we have already fulfilled most of our capability roadmap to the satisfaction of our customers. In phase 4 (P4E) we take care of the integration of new weapon systems, such as the SPEAR stand-off weapon. We also want to further increase the interoperability of the Eurofighter, and exploit the full potential of the new E-Scan radar. MilTech: During ILA 2022 in Berlin, the question of what role Eurofighter should play after the introduction of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) from 2040 onwards will certainly be under discussion Can you give us your view? Wolfgang Gammel: FCAS and Tempest are two state-of-the-art air defence systems that will consist of manned and unmanned components. Both FCAS and Tempest are based on a so-called system-of-systems approach, in which the Eurofighter will play a central role. A concrete example: the Eurofighter will fly joint missions with UAVs such as the Eurodrone. This requires modern and powerful datalink systems, since data is to be transmitted in real time in a future operating environment. In addition, the Eurofighter will have to meet the highest operational requirements and a strong interoperability capability. Since FCAS is scheduled to enter service in 2040, and Tempest in 2035, the Eurofighter will function as an ideal bridging solution until then. German customer for their trust and for ordering 38 aircraft. We will do everything we can to meet their high expectations. MilTech: The German Defence Minister announced on 14 March that Germany will order a total of 35 F-35 and 15 Eurofighter ECR. Both aircraft types are to be procured as successors to the ageing Tornado. What are your views on this mixed-fleet solution? WG: This is primarily a political decision, which we, as industry, have to respect. One of the most important reasons for the F-35 was apparently its ability to perform the nuclear role, i.e. nuclear participation, which is important for Germany, in the short term. The announcement to order 15 Eurofighter ECR (Electronic Combat Role) gives the Eurofighter partners the chance to continue the technological evolution of the Eurofighter. This is very good news! I am firmly convinced that the Eurofighter, with its wide range of capabilities (interdiction strike, air-to-air combat, electronic warfare, etc.), will form the efficient, robust and reliable backbone of the German Air Force at least until 2060. We therefore hope that, in a second step, the German customer will close the remaining gap to the total of 93 Tornados that will be retired from 2030, with additional Tranche 5 Eurofighters. MilTech: Can you give us further detail on future electronic warfare capability of the Eurofighter ECR? Feature MT 3/2022 · 25 Customers Orders Germany 181 United Kingdom 159 Italy 96 Spain 73 Austria 15 * incl. 38 Eurofighter Typhoons of the Quadriga Programme (Tranche 1-Replacement). With the “Praetorian Evolution,” the EuroDASS consortium has presented a new concept of a future self-defence system (DASS) for the Eurofighter. (Photo: HENSOLDT) Customers Orders Saudi-Arabia 72 Oman 12 Kuwait 28 Qatar 24 Total 660 * * The Eurofighter ECR will fulfill the electronic combat role for the German Air Force. (Photo: Airbus Defence)
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