Saab has secured two contracts from Airbus totaling 549 million euros ($676 million) to equip Germany’s Eurofighter fleet with its Arexis electronic warfare (EW) sensor suite.
The first contract—worth about 291 million euros ($337 million)—continues an agreement signed with Airbus Defence and Space in March 2024 to integrate the Arexis suite into the Eurofighter EK (Elektronischer Kampf/Electronic Warfare).
The second contract, also valued at roughly 291 million euros ($337 million), adds AI technologies developed jointly by Saab and partner Helsing, and is pending final approval.
Deliveries under both agreements will take place between 2025 and 2028.
Arexis EW Suite
Originally created as a podded system for Sweden’s Gripen fighter, the Arexis suite can now be fully integrated into an aircraft, installed in a missionized pod, or used as a payload on unmanned platforms.
Equipped with high-power gallium nitride AESA antennas, ultra-wideband receivers, and digital RF memory systems, it can jam “anti-stealth” radars and operate effectively in anti-access/area-denial environments.
The Arexis system will replace the Eurofighter’s current wingtip pods that house the Defensive Aids Sub-System.
Eurofighter EK Program
The EW suite will be installed on 15 Eurofighters selected for the EK upgrade, which will replace Germany’s aging Tornado ECR aircraft.
These 15 aircraft are expected to achieve NATO certification by 2030. Additionally, 20 newly ordered Tranche 5 Eurofighters will also be built to the EK standard.
Alongside the Arexis system, the Eurofighter EK will use the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile, which features an active millimeter-wave radar seeker capable of engaging air-defense radars even after they cease emitting.
