Airbus and its partners revealed the first concrete details for the new Eurofighter electronic combat role (ECR) concept – the capability aims to enhance the Eurofighter’s multi-role capabilities and further increase the survivability of coalition forces in hostile environments.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Collaborative electronic warfare capabilities are essential for future combined air operations. Initial Eurofighter ECR capability is expected to be available by 2026, followed by further development steps and full integration into the future combat air system (FCAS) ecosystems.
Eurofighter ECR will be able to provide passive emitter location as well as active jamming of threats, and will offer a variety of modular configurations for electronic attack (EA) and suppression/destruction of enemy air defence (SEAD/DEAD).
Latest national escort jammer technology will ensure national control over features such as mission data and data analysis. The concept also features a new twin-seat cockpit configuration with a multi-function panoramic touch display and a dedicated mission cockpit for the rear-seat.
The concept is driven by leading aerospace companies Airbus, Hensoldt, MBDA, MTU, Premium Aerotec, Rolls-Royce and supported by the German national industry bodies BDSV and BDLI.
It specifically targets the German Air Force requirements for an airborne electronic attack capability. Furthermore, it is the single opportunity to deliver such capabilities on the basis of national sovereignty, while also securing key military technologies within Germany.
Eurofighter is the backbone of German air defence. With more than 600 aircraft under contract and a workforce of 100,000 it is the largest collaborative defence program in Europe to date.
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2018, it generated revenues of €64 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000.