By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
The German Defense Procurement Office (BAAINBw) selected Saab’s Arexis sensor suite as the preferred solution for the German electronic warfare (EW) variant of the Eurofighter.
Saab, a renowned defense and security company headquartered in Sweden, has secured a notable contract to provide the Arexis Electronic Warfare (EW) sensor suite for the German Air Force’s Eurofighter EK variant. The contract, awarded by Airbus Defence and Space, spans from 2024 to 2026 and represents a significant enhancement in airborne electronic warfare capabilities.
The decision to select Saab’s Arexis sensor suite for the Eurofighter EK was announced by the German defense procurement office in June 2023, marking the initiation of the program’s initial phase. As part of this agreement, Saab will equip 15 Eurofighters with the Arexis suite, effectively replacing the aging Tornado ECR aircraft scheduled for decommissioning by 2030.
Micael Johansson, CEO and President of Saab underscored the company’s extensive experience in developing electronic warfare systems for airborne platforms, emphasizing the collaborative partnership with Airbus. Johansson highlighted the pivotal role of the Arexis sensor suite in strengthening the German Air Force’s electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring future-ready defense capabilities for years to come.
In collaboration with strategic AI partner Helsing, Saab’s Arexis suite integrates advanced hardware and AI-enabled software, enabling users to detect, locate, and identify radar emitters within complex electromagnetic environments. The suite’s cutting-edge features empower the Eurofighter to detect and counter potential threats effectively, enabling pilots to concentrate on mission execution.
Among the key capabilities of the Arexis sensor suite is its advanced escort jamming functionality, providing tactical advantages by disrupting adversaries’ communications and enhancing the aircraft’s survivability in hostile environments.
Saab’s successful bid to equip German Eurofighters with the Arexis sensor suite represents a milestone in strengthening European defense capabilities. It underscores the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions to address evolving security challenges.
The Arexis Electronic Warfare (EW) sensor suite is indeed a new addition to the German Air Force’s Eurofighter arsenal. Here’s a breakdown of what we know:
- Developer: Saab, a Swedish defense and aerospace company [Saab website].
- Selected for: Eurofighter EK variant, a specialized electronic warfare version of the existing Eurofighter aircraft [Germany selects Saab’s Arexis sensor suite for Eurofighter EK].
- Contracted: The German defense procurement office awarded the contract to Saab in June 2023, marking the initial phase of deliveries [Saab wins order for Arexis sensor suite for German Eurofighters].
Capabilities
- Advanced Sensors: The Arexis suite boasts cutting-edge sensors for superior situational awareness in complex electronic environments. This technology likely utilizes gallium nitride active electronically scanned arrays (AESA) for features like high power output, broad frequency coverage, and minimal signal processing delay [Airbus Begins Integrating AI-Enabled EW Suite on German Eurofighters].
- Self-Protection: The system offers robust self-protection capabilities for the Eurofighter, enabling it to counter threats and enhance survivability in hostile environments with heavy electronic activity [Saab to equip German Eurofighters with Arexis sensor suite].
- Escort Jamming: Arexis is known for its advanced escort jamming abilities, which tactically disrupt enemy communication systems, providing the Eurofighter with an edge during missions [Saab to equip German Eurofighters with Arexis sensor suite].
- Modular Design: A key advantage of Arexis is its modularity. This allows for flexible integration onboard the Eurofighter itself, in mission-specific pods, or even as a payload on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) [Germany selects Saab’s Arexis sensor suite for Eurofighter EK].
Significance
The integration of Arexis signifies a significant upgrade for the German Air Force’s electronic warfare capabilities. It equips the Eurofighter EK with next-generation technology for signal detection, jamming, and self-protection, making it a more effective platform in modern aerial combat scenarios.