Defense & Military
Eurofighter Upgrade Integrates AI for Advanced Electronic Warfare
Helsing and Saab Germany partner to enhance Eurofighter Typhoon with AI-enabled electronic warfare for the German Air Force modernization.
A New Era for the Eurofighter: Integrating AI into Electronic Warfare
In a significant development for European defense capabilities, technology companies Helsing and Saab Germany have finalized a major contract to upgrade the Eurofighter Typhoon. This agreement, signed in November 2025, marks a pivotal shift in how air combat systems approach the electromagnetic spectrum. By integrating artificial intelligence into the aircraft’s sensor suite, the partnership aims to equip the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) with next-generation Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities. The collaboration focuses on the Eurofighter EK (Elektronischer Kampf) program, a specialized variant designed to undertake the suppression of enemy air defenses.
The contract outlines a clear division of labor that leverages the specific strengths of both entities. Saab Germany is set to provide the hardware infrastructure through its Arexis sensor suite, while Helsing will supply the cognitive processing power via its Cirra AI software. This fusion of advanced hardware and software is intended to address the growing complexity of modern air defense systems. With deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2028, the program represents a rapid modernization effort to ensure the Eurofighter remains effective in contested environments.
Financially, the scope of the project is substantial, reflecting the priority placed on this capability upgrade. The total order value for Saab is reported at approximately €549 million. Within this framework, the specific component involving Helsing’s artificial intelligence technology is valued at roughly €258 million, though this figure remains subject to final authority approval. We observe that this investment is not merely about maintaining current standards but is a direct response to the urgent need to replace aging platforms and counter increasingly sophisticated threats.
The Technological Fusion: Arexis and Cirra
The core of this upgrade lies in the integration of Saab’s Arexis suite with Helsing’s Cirra software. Traditionally, Electronic Warfare systems have relied on “threat libraries”, databases of known radar signatures. When a system detects a signal, it compares it against this library to identify the threat. However, modern adversaries increasingly utilize software-defined radars capable of “shapeshifting,” or altering their frequency patterns and signal characteristics rapidly. These adaptive threats often render static library-based systems ineffective, as the threat signature may not match anything in the pre-recorded database.
Helsing’s Cirra software addresses this vulnerability by utilizing deep learning algorithms rather than static matching. This AI-enabled approach allows the system to process signal data in real-time, identifying and classifying unknown emitters based on their behavior and intent. For instance, the system can determine if a radar is searching, tracking, or locking onto the aircraft, even if the specific signal signature has never been encountered before. This cognitive capability provides the Eurofighter with a distinct strategic edge, allowing it to operate effectively against modern, adaptive air defense networks.
Complementing the software is Saab’s Arexis, which serves as the physical interface with the electromagnetic environment. This fully digital sensor and jamming suite utilizes high-power Gallium Nitride (GaN) Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESA). These advanced sensors act as the “eyes and ears” of the aircraft, detecting emissions across a wide spectrum. Simultaneously, the powerful jammers provide the offensive capability necessary to blind enemy radars. The integration involves retrofitting 15 existing Eurofighters designated for the EK role and equipping new Tranche 5 aircraft, replacing the previous wingtip pods with this more advanced offensive suite.
“The move to the development phase follows intensive testing and investment, underscoring the ability to rapidly develop, test, and introduce new technologies.” — Gundbert Scherf, Co-founder & Co-CEO, Helsing.
Strategic Context: Replacing the Tornado
The urgency behind this upgrade is driven by the operational requirements of the German Air Force. The Luftwaffe is currently in the process of retiring its fleet of Panavia Tornado ECR jets, which have historically held the responsibility for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD). These missions are among the most dangerous in air warfare, requiring aircraft to fly into hostile airspace to neutralize radar and missile sites. The Eurofighter EK is the designated successor for this critical role.
The transition from the Tornado to the Eurofighter EK represents more than just a platform update; it is a shift toward cognitive warfare. As potential adversaries, such as Russia and China, continue to develop Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) bubbles protected by complex air defense systems, the ability to survive inside these zones becomes paramount. Defense analysts view the integration of AI into the Eurofighter’s EW system as a necessary evolution, transforming the platform from a pure air superiority fighter into a potent electronic attack asset capable of neutralizing these sophisticated threats.
Furthermore, the project emphasizes the importance of European technological sovereignty. By developing critical data processing and threat analysis algorithms within Europe, the partner nations ensure control over their own security architecture. This reduces reliance on external technology for critical defense functions and secures the intellectual property and tactical advantages associated with the new EW capabilities. The program targets full NATO certification by 2030, ensuring interoperability within the alliance.
Concluding Section
The partnership between Helsing and Saab Germany signifies a robust step forward for the Eurofighter program. By combining the raw power of GaN-based AESA sensors with the adaptability of deep learning AI, the Eurofighter EK is being positioned to handle the unpredictable nature of modern electronic warfare. The successful integration of the Cirra software into flying testbeds and the subsequent contract signing demonstrate a commitment to rapid innovation in the face of evolving threats.
As deliveries proceed through 2028, the focus will likely shift to the operational integration of these systems into the Luftwaffe’s tactics and training. The ability of the Eurofighter EK to detect and neutralize shapeshifting emitters will be a defining factor in its future operational success. This program not only extends the service life and relevance of the Eurofighter airframe but also sets a precedent for how artificial intelligence will be utilized in future defense procurements across Europe.
FAQ
Question: What is the primary purpose of the Eurofighter EK?
Answer: The Eurofighter EK (Elektronischer Kampf) is designed for the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). Its primary role is to detect, classify, and neutralize enemy radar and missile systems, replacing the aging Tornado ECR fleet.
Question: How does Helsing’s AI differ from traditional Electronic Warfare systems?
Answer: Traditional systems rely on “threat libraries” to match signals against known databases. Helsing’s AI, known as Cirra, uses deep learning to analyze signals in real-time. This allows it to identify unknown or “shapeshifting” radars based on their behavior, rather than relying solely on pre-recorded signatures.
Question: What is the value and timeline of the contract?
Answer: The total order value for Saab is approximately €549 million, with the Helsing AI portion valued at roughly €258 million. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2028.
Sources
Photo Credit: Helsing
Defense & Military
CAE and Leonardo Expand M-346 Integrated Training System
CAE and Leonardo announced an expanded M-346 ITS collaboration at Farnborough 2026 to advance LVC and AI-enabled military pilot training.
CAE Inc. and Leonardo S.p.A. announced an expanded collaboration agreement on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to develop a next-generation technology roadmap for the M-346 Integrated Training System (ITS). The partnership will integrate Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) environments to prepare military aviators for increasingly autonomous and artificial intelligence-enabled battlespaces.
The agreement builds on the existing joint operation of the International Flight Training School (IFTS) located in Decimomannu, Sardinia, Italy. According to the joint press release, the companies will focus on advancing the M-346 Block 20 system features and expanding Live Synthetic Integration (LSI) capabilities to meet evolving tactical training requirements for global air forces.
Advancing the M-346 Integrated Training System
The technology roadmap outlined by CAE and Leonardo targets the integration of advanced simulation with live flight operations. As military aviation shifts toward next-generation air operations, the training syllabus must adapt to environments where pilots manage complex, automated mission systems rather than focusing solely on aircraft handling.
Pascal Grenier, President of CAE Defense & Security, highlighted the operational focus of the expanded partnership in the company’s official statement.
“Our longstanding collaboration with Leonardo and the International Flight Training School (IFTS) stands as the premier example of combining highly sophisticated simulation technologies and live flight training to deliver world-class pilot instruction and operational readiness.”
Grenier added that future battlespaces will place unprecedented demands on pilots, requiring training environments that build judgment, adaptability, and decision-making skills. Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director of Leonardo Aeronautics, noted that the agreement will strengthen the development of highly skilled pilots for current and future operational requirements.
Expanding Global Footprint and Financial Context
The Farnborough announcement follows a series of recent international agreements involving the M-346 platform. On May 26, 2026, ITPS Canada ordered Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 advanced jet trainers. Subsequently, on July 21, 2026, Leonardo signed a procurement contract with PT ESystem Solutions and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia for M-346 F aircraft to fulfill Indonesian Air Force training and combat requirements.
Leonardo also utilized the Farnborough event to highlight its broader defense sector momentum. On July 22, 2026, the manufacturer signed a separate agreement with Lockheed Martin to strengthen maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the C-130J Super Hercules across Europe and the Middle East and North Africa regions.
The press release detailing the CAE partnership also provided an update on Leonardo’s financial standing. The company reported 2025 new orders totaling €23.8 billion, an order backlog of €46.6 billion, and consolidated revenues of €19.5 billion.
AirPro News analysis
We view this expanded CAE and Leonardo partnership as a necessary evolution in military flight training. As sixth-generation fighter programs and collaborative combat aircraft concepts mature, the cognitive load on pilots will shift heavily from basic airmanship to systems management and tactical battle management.
By embedding LVC and LSI technologies directly into the M-346 ITS roadmap, Leonardo and CAE are positioning the platform to remain relevant against emerging clean-sheet trainer designs. The recent string of international orders for both the trainer and fighter variants of the M-346 indicates that the airframe still has significant market runway, provided the synthetic training environment keeps pace with frontline combat systems.
Sources: Leonardo Press Release
Photo Credit: Leonardo
Defense & Military
Embraer C-390 to Integrate Anduril Barracuda-500M Missile
Embraer and Anduril signed an MoU at Farnborough 2026 to add pallet-launched Barracuda-500M strike capability to the C-390 Millennium.
Embraer S.A. and Anduril Industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 21, 2026, to integrate the pallet-launched Barracuda-500M stand-off cruise missile into the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, introduces a kinetic strike role to the Brazilian manufacturer’s tactical airlifter.
In a press release issued by Embraer, the companies confirmed the partnerships aims to allow the C-390 to conduct palletized launches of kinetic effects. This capability enables dispersed operations and allows transport aircraft to serve as stand-off launch platforms without requiring permanent structural modifications.
Expanding the C-390 Millennium mission profile
The C-390 Millennium features a payload capacity of 26 metric tons (57,300 pounds) and a cruise speed of 470 knots. Integrating a palletized launch system allows operators to roll munitions on and off the aircraft using standard cargo handling procedures, temporarily converting the airlifter into a strike platform.
“By exploring the integration of stand-off launch capabilities for palletized, kinetic, and non-kinetic effects, we are further expanding the aircraft’s flexibility to meet the evolving needs of modern air forces,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security.
Anduril’s Barracuda-500M integration
Anduril Industries first successfully tested a pallet-launched Barracuda-500M (B-500M) in September 2024. The system is designed for rapid production and scalability to meet high-volume munitions requirements. On July 15, 2026, Anduril secured a procurement framework agreement with the United States Department of Defense (DoD) for large-scale production of the Barracuda 500 series, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.
“Integrating the pallet-launched Barracuda-500M with Embraer’s C-390 Millennium gives allied militaries a new way to generate massed, stand-off effects from a proven airlift platform,” said Greg Kausner, Senior Vice President for Global Defense at Anduril Industries.
Kausner added that the Barracuda family of systems delivers operationally relevant capabilities to meet the growing demand for affordable munitions.
Global market demand
The C-390 has gained significant traction in the military-aircraft transport market. To date, 12 countries have selected the aircraft, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, and Lithuania.
According to da Costa Junior, the push for palletized munitions is driven directly by customer interest. He noted that Embraer is receiving demand for this capability from several countries across Europe and Asia.
While the companies have not provided a specific date for the first live test of the B-500M from a C-390, Embraer representatives indicated the integration process can be completed rapidly.
AirPro News analysis
We view the Embraer and Anduril partnership as a direct response to the growing tactical interest in “arsenal plane” concepts. Programs like the U.S. Air Force Rapid Dragon have demonstrated the viability of deploying long-range strike weapons from standard cargo aircraft. By partnering with Anduril to offer a turnkey palletized strike capability, Embraer significantly enhances the value proposition of the C-390 Millennium against competitors in the tactical airlift sector. For smaller air forces that cannot afford dedicated heavy bomber fleets, outfitting a multi-role transport aircraft with stand-off cruise missiles provides a highly cost-effective deterrent.
Sources: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
Embraer and Saab Sign Agreement for 20 Additional Gripens
Embraer and Saab signed a Heads of Agreement at Farnborough to produce 20 additional Gripen fighters in Brazil.
Embraer S.A. and Saab AB signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) on July 21, 2026, establishing a framework to produce 20 additional Gripen fighter aircraft at Embraer’s facility in Brazil. The announcement, made during the Farnborough International Airshow, positions the companies to finalize a binding production contract later in 2026.
The agreement expands a decade-long industrial partnership between the two aerospace manufacturers and directly supports the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) requirement for additional tactical aircraft. According to official press releases from both companies, Embraer will assemble the new fighters at its Gavião Peixoto industrial complex in São Paulo State, complementing Saab’s primary final assembly line in Linköping, Sweden.
Expanding Brazilian production capacity
The HoA serves as a preliminary framework to allocate industrial responsibilities ahead of a formal contract. The move follows a June 4, 2026 announcement by the Brazilian government detailing plans to purchase 20 additional Gripen jets, supplementing the country’s original base order of 36 aircraft, according to reporting by Breaking Defense. That initial order consisted of 28 single-seat E models and eight two-seat F models.
Company leadership emphasized that the localized manufacturing model is designed to scale with regional requirements.
“The expansion of this partnership with Saab reflects the mutual trust built over the past ten years and reinforces Embraer’s strategic role in the Gripen programme. We are well positioned to support increased production capacity, if demand requires it,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
Recent program milestones and operational deployment
The framework agreement follows a series of recent milestones for the Brazilian Gripen program, designated the F-39E by the FAB. On March 25, 2026, Embraer and Saab unveiled the first Gripen E fighter assembled entirely on Brazilian soil at the Gavião Peixoto complex. Saab confirmed in a statement that this event marked the first supersonic fighter produced in Brazil.
Operational integration of the aircraft is also advancing. On July 14, 2026, the FAB deployed six F-39E Gripen aircraft to Chile for the SALITRE 2026 exercise. Saab noted that this marked the first time Brazilian-operated Gripens participated in a multinational exercise outside of Brazil.
“The partnership between Saab and Embraer reinforces our long-term commitment to Latin America. Together, we are strengthening our capabilities, securing additional capacity for future business opportunities, and taking a forward-leaning approach to supporting the evolving needs of our customers across the region,” stated Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab AB.
AirPro News analysis
We view this Heads of Agreement as a formalization of the industrial planning required to execute Brazil’s stated intent to procure 20 additional airframes. While the HoA is not yet a finalized production contract, it signals that both Embraer and Saab are aligning their supply chains and workforce allocations ahead of a formal signature expected later in 2026. By utilizing the Gavião Peixoto facility for this follow-on batch, Saab effectively creates a dual-node global production system for the Gripen E/F. This mitigates production bottlenecks in Sweden and provides a localized manufacturing base that could theoretically support future export campaigns in the broader Latin American market.
Sources: Embraer S.A.
Photo Credit: Embraer S.A.
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