Saab has landed two significant Airbus contracts worth 549 million euros ($676 million) to upgrade Germany’s Eurofighter aircraft with next-generation Arexis Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities. The first agreement, worth around 291 million euros, continues Saab’s ongoing work under a March 2024 contract to integrate Arexis into the Eurofighter EK, Germany’s future electronic warfare platform. The second order, equal in value, introduces AI-driven EW capabilities developed by Saab and Helsing, with execution dependent on authority clearance. Both contracts will be fulfilled between 2025 and 2028.
The Arexis EW suite represents Saab’s most advanced electronic warfare solution, featuring GaN-based active electronically scanned arrays, ultra-wideband receivers, and cutting-edge DRFM technology. Previously designed for the Gripen as an external pod, the system can now be embedded directly into an aircraft’s architecture, used in a missionized pod, or deployed on unmanned platforms. Its high-power jamming capabilities allow it to counter sophisticated “anti-stealth” radar systems and navigate complex anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) zones. On the Eurofighter, Arexis will replace the two wingtip pods currently used for defensive countermeasures.
Germany plans to install the system on 15 Eurofighters designated for the EK upgrade, marking the replacement of the long-serving Tornado ECR electronic combat fleet. These aircraft are expected to achieve NATO certification by 2030. Beyond the retrofit program, the upcoming fleet of 20 Tranche 5 Eurofighters will also receive the EK enhancements. As part of the modernization package, the Eurofighter EK will carry the AGM-88E AARGM, a high-speed anti-radiation missile equipped with an active millimeter-wave seeker capable of engaging enemy air defense radars—even when they cease emitting signals.
