Germany Plans €1.2 Billion Eurofighter Upgrade With Saab Northrop Grumman

Germany is set to award a €1.2 billion contract to Saab and Northrop Grumman to upgrade its Eurofighter Typhoon fleet with advanced electronic warfare capabilities. The modernization includes integrating Saab's Arexis electronic warfare suite and Northrop Grumman's AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles to enable suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) missions, enhancing the Luftwaffe's operational effectiveness in contested airspace. This upgrade is a key part of Germany's broader defense procurement strategy and is pending parliamentary approval. The Eurofighter Elektronischer Kampf (EK) variant will replace the Tornado aircraft in the SEAD role, complementing the F-35A Lightning II, which has been selected for nuclear strike missions under NATO’s nuclear sharing. The contract highlights Germany's commitment to interoperability within NATO and leveraging international expertise to maintain aerial dominance amid evolving global threats. Additionally, AI integration efforts, such as those by Munich-based Helsing with Saab, demonstrate a forward-looking approach to combat aircraft capabilities.