Luftwaffe Eurofighters Poised for Major Upgrades
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.
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.
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.
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.
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