Eurofighter taps Helsing AI for next-gen electronic warfare system

A contract worth hundreds of millions of euros was signed to equip 15 Luftwaffe Eurofighters with artificial intelligence-enabled electronic warfare capability by 2028.

Helsing and Saab Germany have signed a contract to equip the Luftwaffe's Eurofighter aircraft with a new electronic warfare system that combines Helsing's artificial intelligence software with Saab’s sensor hardware.

Helsing will supply its deep learning-based Cirra software for integration into the Arexis sensor suite over the next three years. The system will allow the Eurofighter to detect and classify unknown emitters in real time and identify threat intentions, even when facing modern peer adversaries.

The contract follows the German Ministry of Defence's 2023 selection of Helsing and Saab to enhance 15 Eurofighters with electronic warfare capability. The software will initially operate as a standalone system on the aircraft, with future capability to share threat data across the Luftwaffe fleet.

To lower programme risks, Helsing has already integrated Cirra into a flying testbed and conducted in-house evaluation flights. With the 18-month concept phase concluded, full integration will now begin with Airbus Defence and Space.

“Following intensive testing and investment, we look forward to moving into the development phase together with Saab,” says Gundbert Scherf, co-founder and co-CEO of Helsing.