The Luftwaffe’s growing Eurofighter fleet is set to undergo a comprehensive modernization program, with upgrades covering avionics, sensors, electronic warfare, and weapons integration. The recently adopted federal budget for 2025 provides further clarity on the scope and timeline of these measures. Up to €4 billion are earmarked for the procurement of 20 additional aircraft, raising the fleet to at least 160 Eurofighters. Roughly a further €2.8 billion are dedicated to upgrade programs, which will not only enhance the existing fleet but also ensure that newly produced aircraft are delivered to the latest standard.
This article examines the enhancements in detail, focusing on sensor systems, weapons integration, airframe modifications, and electronic warfare, and assesses their significance for the future-proofing of the German Eurofighter fleet. The structure follows a capability-based approach rather than a breakdown by specific Phase Enhancement package or Long Term Evolution item, as several upgrades span across multiple phases and are more easily understood when grouped by operational function.
Radar
To replace the ageing mechanically steered CAPTOR-M radars, the Luftwaffe is equipping its Eurofighter fleet with the ECRS Mk1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The entire fleet will be retrofitted, while the 38 newly built Quadriga aircraft will be delivered with the system installed from the outset. The initial contract was signed in 2020, with Hensoldt leading the program and Indra acting as the main partner for Spain, which is also procuring the radar for its new aircraft.
The ECRS Mk1 Step 0 radar introduces wideband Gallium Nitride (GaN) transmit/receive (TR) modules as an upgrade over the Hensoldt SMTR modules found on the export ECRS Mk0 variant. With the Mk1 Step 1 version a digital multi-channel receiver, and upgraded processing software are added.
While the original plan envisioned retaining the legacy radar processor and Antenna Power Supply & Control (APSC) unit to reduce costs, new requirements in the areas of electronic attack (EA) and advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) operations necessitated a more comprehensive approach. The new processor delivers several times the computing capacity of the previous system, and the redesigned APSC provides increased power output and improved cooling performance.
These enhancements enable both passive and active electronic warfare functions, significantly improving survivability against hostile fighter aircraft and advanced surface-to-air missile threats. Looking ahead, the Step 2 upgrade will introduce further optimized ultra-high-resolution (UHR) SAR modes and full Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) capability within the radar’s EW domain.
The ECRS Mk1 is being tested on the national A320 ATRA testbed aircraft and is scheduled to be installed on the Quadriga jets, with first deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Litening V
To address previous sensor shortfalls, Germany is procuring the advanced Litening V targeting pod. The system features an Imaging Infrared (IIR) sensor supplied by Hensoldt and incorporates a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode, providing enhanced target detection and identification capabilities. The pods are of particular importance for the Luftwaffe, as its Eurofighter fleet is not equipped with the PIRATE Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system. Beyond the air-to-surface role, the Litening V can also serve as a relay node for Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming operations with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). In June 2025, the Ministry of Defence placed an order with Rafael for 90 pods valued at €350 million to cover operational requirements.
Human-Machine Interface
To ensure the Eurofighter’s cockpit remains future-ready, the four-nation consortium has launched several projects to modernize the human-machine interface (HMI). A central element of this effort is the introduction of the Striker II Helmet-Mounted Display. Compared to the legacy Striker system, it offers a full-color feed, live video capability, reduced weight, and improved functionality across all operational modes. A development contract has already been signed with the United Kingdom, with BAE Systems leading the work and Hensoldt participating as a supplier. Germany will begin procurement in the first quarter of 2026 with an initial investment of €127 million.
In parallel, the Luftwaffe requires the integration of a Large Area Display (LAD) by the end of the decade. BAE Systems and Airbus are responsible for the integration, while the display hardware will be provided by Collins from its Heidelberg facility. Additional upgrades will include a modernized voice-input system, revised menu software, and enhancements to the aircraft’s attack computer, all contributing to a more capable and future-proof cockpit environment.
Furthermore, Airbus and partners are developing a task-based management system to support pilot workload reduction. This system will allow key sensors, such as the radar, to be managed more intuitively, enabling the pilot to focus on mission execution rather than detailed sensor control.
Weapons Integration
One of the long-standing challenges for the German Eurofighter fleet has been the limited range of air-to-surface weaponry available. Since 2017, the Luftwaffe has primarily relied on the GBU-48 in various configurations as its main precision strike option. Efforts to broaden this arsenal have been underway since 2018.
The first step will be the integration of the Brimstone 3 missile, following a framework agreement signed in June 2024 for the procurement of up to 3266 units, which will be assembled by MBDA in Germany. Brimstone is scheduled to be nationally certified under the P3Eb/P3Ec Phase Enhancement packages, reaching operational status in 2026/2027. Looking further ahead, the Luftwaffe plans to certify both the Taurus (Neo) long-range cruise missile and the GBU-54 bomb by 2028. The GBU-54 will become available with the national P3Ec Step 3 standard, while Taurus integration is planned within the scope of the P4E upgrade.
For the Eurofighter EK’s Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission, the Luftwaffe is integrating the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM). Certification and operational introduction are planned under Step 1 by 2029/30. In a subsequent Step 2, the capability will require either a longer-range weapon or an air launched stand-in jammer to address advanced long range integrated air defense systems.
In addition, the Eurofighter’s air-to-air arsenal will also be strengthened. The IRIS-T Block 2 is set to enter service toward the end of the decade, following a development contract for a new seeker, revamped guidance and datalink capability signed in January 2025. Over the coming years, several hundred AIM-120 C8 and D3 AMRAAMs will be delivered, providing modernized beyond-visual-range capability. The Meteor missile will also see further procurement and an upgrade package.
Aerodynamic Modification Kit
The Aerodynamic Modification Kit (AMK) developed by Airbus primarily consists of fuselage strakes and leading-edge root extensions, increasing maximum wing lift by 25 percent. This translates into higher turn rates, a tighter turning radius, and improved nose-pointing capability at low speeds. Beyond its impact on maneuverability, the AMK increases the Eurofighter’s effectiveness as a swing-role platform. It expands growth potential by supporting the integration of future air-to-surface configurations and offering greater flexibility in stores carriage. Flight trials have demonstrated substantial performance gains, including angle-of-attack values up to 45 percent higher and roll rates up to 100 percent greater than the standard aircraft. In addition, the modification contributes to a further increase of the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) by several hundred kilograms beyond the P3Ec increases, further improving payload and mission flexibility.
Germany has now committed to the final development and national procurement of the AMK with an investment of €170 million, ensuring its operational fielding with the P4E enhancement package in the coming years.
Electronic Warfare
Germany is pursuing a dual-track approach to electronic warfare for the Eurofighter. On one side, the existing Praetorian Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS) is being upgraded to the new Praetorian eVo standard. This effort combines obsolescence removal with capability growth, including improved antennas, a new digital receiver, and enhanced processing power. Praetorian eVo provides multi-platform jamming functionality, enabling coordinated electronic attack between multiple aircraft. For the specialized Eurofighter EK, an interface for an external escort jammer pod is being introduced, allowing combined on-board and off-board jamming.
In parallel, the Luftwaffe is fielding Saab’s Arexis system on the 15 (+15) Eurofighter EK aircraft and likely on Tranche 5 jets. The German configuration features newly designed wideband antennas, digital receivers, transmitters, and processing units tailored for electronic attack. An additional GaN-based low-band antenna extends coverage against long-wavelength radars, while Helsing’s Cirra AI enables advanced, machine-learning signal processing.
Future Outlook: Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming
Germany is preparing to expand the Eurofighter’s role into manned–unmanned teaming (MUM-T), using the System and Teaming Advanced Research (STAR) demonstrator as a test platform. Based on a two-seat Eurofighter with a decoupled rear cockpit, STAR will employ a centerline pod solution derived from Long Term Evolution (LTE) technologies to control uncrewed aircraft systems via dedicated data links and communication modules. This podded approach allows faster integration and certification compared to embedding the systems directly in the airframe, with operational evaluation to take place under the new National Test and Development Center for Eurofighter (NaTE EF) at Manching from 2026 onwards.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger has stated that the Bundeswehr foresees a need for around 400 CCA by 2030. To meet this demand, Airbus is cooperating with Kratos, Rheinmetall is also seeking an American partner, and Helsing has been reported to have intentions to offer a solution as well. While industrial partnerships will play a role in near-term capability development, the long-term objective remains a European-designed and controlled system.
In parallel, Airbus is pursuing the Wingman concept, an unmanned combat drone designed to accompany Eurofighters in high-risk missions. The Wingman is envisioned to carry weapons and effectors, acting as an adjunct to extend the reach and survivability of the manned fleet. Related projects such as the Electronic Combat Wingman for the Eurofighter EK Step 2 are also planned as mid-term sovereign developments without U.S. involvement, ensuring national control over sensitive technologies.
As part of this architecture, Litening V targeting pods, already being procured for the Luftwaffe, could serve as relay nodes, providing data link functionality for crewed–uncrewed coordination. Together, the new projects are intended to bridge the Eurofighter into the era of networked and collaborative combat operations, while paving the path toward the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) in the 2040s.