Airbus, following parliamentary approval by the German budget committee, is set to equip 15 German Eurofighters for electronic combat, marking a significant advancement in the Eurofighter’s capabilities. The Eurofighter Electronic Combat (EK) will be armed with Saab’s transmitter location and self-protection system, along with Northrop Grumman’s “AARGM” anti-radar missiles. This strategic move aims to NATO-certify the Eurofighter EK by 2030, positioning it as a successor to the Tornado in the Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) role.'
The parliamentary approval sets the stage for Airbus to receive the official order to integrate the selected technical solutions into the Eurofighter. The contract, expected to be signed before the end of 2023 between Eurofighter GmbH and NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency), marks a significant milestone.