Eurofighter Radar Mk1 Upgrade: Advanced Subsystems Boost Performance

More processing power, greater flexibility A major upgrade to the Eurofighter radar system takes shape

2025-07-10 Source: Press release 2 min Reading Time

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Radar specialists Hensoldt and Indra have delivered the first units of the Eurofighter's ECRS Mk1 radar equipped with advanced subsystems. Designed for real-time mission flexibility and future AI-driven operations, the upgrade significantly enhances the radar’s performance—both technically and operationally.

Advanced subsystems give Eurofighter Radar Mk1 significant performance boost.

(Bild: Hensoldt)

The Eurofighter Common Radar System Mark 1 (ECRS Mk1) represents a crucial step toward equipping Europe’s multirole fighter with next-generation sensor capabilities. Developed by Hensoldt (Germany) and Indra (Spain), the radar builds on a multi-channel AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) design and a high-performance processor core. It will be integrated into Eurofighter Typhoons for the German and Spanish air forces.Now, the industrial partners have reached a major milestone: the first radars equipped with newly developed subsystems for the processor and the Antenna Power Supply & Control (APSC) have been completed and entered an extensive qualification and flight testing phase. This “Step 1” configuration was contracted by the German and Spanish Ministries of Defence in April 2024, with serial production scheduled to begin in summer 2025.

“The new APSC and processor bring a significant performance boost—enabling ultra-fast mode switching, real-time operational flexibility, and readiness for future AI-supported, task-based operations,” said Dr. William Gautier, Technical Director for Eurofighter Radar at Hensoldt. Combined with a fully refactored software stack, the Mk1 hardware now fully leverages the AESA’s multi-channel potential while ensuring long-term maintainability and scalability.According to Borja Miño, Technical Director for Eurofighter Radar at Indra, “The redesigned processor architecture delivers higher computational throughput, improved parallel processing, and the ability to support advanced signal processing algorithms. This paves the way for future software enhancements and multi-sensor data fusion.”

Initial flight tests will be carried out using the German military’s ATRA Flying Testbed. Full integration into the Eurofighter Quadriga aircraft will be managed by Airbus Defence and Space in Manching, Germany.Step 1 of the Mk1 radar will primarily enhance the air-to-air mission set, while future software updates will unlock additional capabilities such as high-resolution air-to-ground imaging and both passive and active electronic warfare functions. These upgrades aim to reduce pilot workload while increasing overall system performance—turning Mk1 into a fully multi-role radar system.

Context

The ECRS Mk1 development is part of a broader modernization effort for the Eurofighter, agreed upon in 2020. The system’s open, software-defined architecture ensures its long-term viability and adaptability to evolving mission requirements. For Germany and Spain, Mk1 represents a significant leap in radar technology and operational readiness.

All technical details and statements are based on official press releases issued by Hensoldt (Ulm, Germany) and Indra (Madrid, Spain) on June 27, 2025. For further information, visit www.hensoldt.net and www.indracompany.com.

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