HENSOLDT Secures €350 Million Contract Extension for Eurofighter Mk1 Radar

German defense technology company HENSOLDT has been awarded a €350 million contract extension to further develop the Eurofighter Mk1 radar system. This decision comes after approvals from the German and Spanish Ministries of Defence, enabling Airbus Defence and Space to commission additional development tasks.

Advancements in Radar Technology

The European Common Radar System Mark 1 (ECRS Mk1) represents a significant leap in radar technology for the Eurofighter Typhoon, a cornerstone of many European and Middle Eastern air forces. Traditionally, the Eurofighter relied on mechanically-scanned (M-Scan) fire control radar technology. However, advancements in electronically-scanned array (E-Scan) technology have paved the way for the integration of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars into the platform.

Developed collaboratively by Germany's HENSOLDT Sensors GmbH and Spain's Indra Sistemas S.A., the ECRS Mk1 radar is designed to enhance the Eurofighter's capabilities in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. Notably, it introduces advanced electronic warfare functionalities, transforming the radar from a traditional sensor to a multifunctional system.

Key Features and Specifications

The ECRS Mk1 boasts several advanced features:

• Wide Field of View: The radar offers a ±90° field of view, providing 50% greater angular coverage than traditional AESA radars.

• Enhanced Detection and Tracking: With very high frequency agility and new digital waveforms, the radar ensures faster detection and tracking of multiple targets, improved tracking performance, and increased detection of weak signals.

• Advanced Air-to-Ground Capabilities: The system includes ultra-high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery and modes such as Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) and Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP).

• Electronic Warfare Functions: The radar integrates electronic support measures (ESM) and electronic attack (EA) capabilities, enhancing the Eurofighter's survivability in contested environments.

A notable design advantage is the Eurofighter's larger nose, which accommodates a bigger antenna compared to other fighters. This design, combined with the ability to mechanically rotate the antenna, increases both the detection area and the field of view, surpassing other AESA radar systems.

Contract Extension Details

The recent contract extension encompasses the delivery of test systems for Germany's Airbus A320 D-ATRA radar test aircraft and enhancements to the Mk1 Step 1 radar system. These developments signify a substantial technological advancement, ensuring the system's long-term operational effectiveness and adaptability.

Additionally, the agreement initiates the development phase for ECRS Mk1 Step 2, aiming to further augment radar capabilities. The integration of Airbus Defence and Space's Attack & Identify system is expected to reduce pilot workload and improve mission effectiveness.

Future Outlook

HENSOLDT's Head of Eurofighter Radar, Frank Döngi, stated, "The contract extension ensures the development of an air-certifiable, robust Eurofighter Mk1 radar for Germany and Spain. Our goal is to start flight testing of the revised radar at the end of 2025. Installation of the Mk1 Step 1 on the German Quadriga Eurofighters is then scheduled to begin in the course of 2027."

These advancements underscore the commitment to maintaining the Eurofighter Typhoon's status as a leading multi-role combat aircraft, equipped to meet evolving defense challenges.