Swedish defense giant Saab has initiated the delivery of its cutting-edge Arexis Electronic Warfare (EW) sensor suite to Airbus, marking a significant step toward integrating the advanced technology into German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons.
Strategic Move to Strengthen European Defense Capabilities
Following a contractual agreement signed last year, Saab is providing Airbus with 15 units of the “invisible wingman” system, designed to enhance aircraft electronic attack capabilities. According to Mikael Corp, Saab’s sales director for fighter EW systems, “We’ve been making deliveries to Airbus, and the program is progressing exceptionally well.” While he refrained from revealing exact delivery figures, the development signals a boost in European cooperation on cutting-edge military technology.
Germany Eyes Arexis for Future Eurofighter Missions
Germany plans to roll out a new fleet of Eurofighter EK (Electronic Combat) jets starting in 2030, replacing the Tornado ECR aircraft formerly used for escort jamming. Arexis was selected by Berlin in 2023 to fulfill the electronic attack role, with the system now serving as the “default configuration” for Sweden’s own Gripen E/F fighters, added Corp. This decision underscores Arexis’s growing importance within European air combat modernization efforts.
UK’s Future Defense Strategy Could Open New Opportunities
Amid ongoing discussions within the United Kingdom about future procurement, the UK’s Strategic Defense Review could lead to additional orders for Eurofighters or F-35 fighter jets, opening the door for Saab’s Arexis system to expand its footprint. Corp noted, “There’s a significant debate in the UK regarding whether to purchase more F-35s, Typhoons, or a combination of both. If the new orders materialize, Arexis will fit seamlessly onto the UK’s Typhoons too.”
Potential Expansion into Italy and Spain
Considering the broader Eurofighter community, Saab’s future plans include discussions with Italy and Spain, the other primary Eurofighter operators. Corp explained that before any acquisitions of Arexis, these nations would need to engage with the NATO Eurofighter & Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), the official contracting authority overseeing Eurofighter development. “Arexis is part of the Eurofighter program, funded by Germany currently, but other nations could benefit from integrating it,” he said.
Technical Adaptability and Tailored Solutions
Arexis pods are primarily designed to jam enemy radars, often working in conjunction with strike packages. For the German Air Force, for example, the EK jets will be armed with Northrop Grumman’s AGM-88E2 Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGM). Corp highlighted Saab’s ability to customize the system based on specific operational needs, such as adjusting the number of antennas within the pod—an essential factor for survivability and electronic self-protection. “If full bandwidth isn’t required, we can develop a simpler, more narrow-band solution. The system is highly scalable,” he explained.
This ongoing development underlines Saab’s commitment to maintaining its role at the forefront of European electronic warfare capabilities, delivering flexible, tailored solutions for modern aerial combat.
