Eurofighter Radar Mk1 begins testing in live operations

Ulm, Germany, 05 June 2026 – The development of the new radar for German and Spanish Eurofighter combat aircrafts is picking up speed, paving the way from ground-based testing to airborne trials in 2026. The Eurofighter Common Radar System Mark 1 (ECRS Mk1) consortium partners HENSOLDT and Indra have started testing the radar in live operations. For this testing phase, the Mk1 Radar is fully fitted with hardware and with the most advanced software version to date. The Mk1 Radar is stimulated with live targets of opportunity and live cooperative targets to simulate real scenarios and to enable maturation of the Mk1 Radar software.

First results demonstrate the advantages in robustness and performance of the new Mk1 Radar hardware and software architecture to the operator. This positive outcome constitutes a strong confirmation of the choice done for the enhanced ECRS Mk1 Radar subsystems decided in 2024 by the Mk1 customers.

“This major step toward the delivery of ECRS Mk1 to Germany and Spain in 2027 is the result of an uninterrupted commitment of the ECRS Mk1 Industry Partners and a strong support of the German and Spanish Customers to the ECRS Mk1 Programme. Behind the ECRS Mk1 Industry Partners, Airbus, Indra and HENSOLDT, this symbolic milestone is a great reward for the whole team distributed among Germany and Spain highly engaged to deliver first-class air combat capabilities to the ECRS Mk1 Nations,” says Falko Firl, Head of Eurofighter Radar at HENSOLDT.

“The start of the testing phase marks a key milestone in equipping the Eurofighter with an AESA radar featuring advanced capabilities that will support the aircraft’s air superiority in the years ahead. It will become one of the most advanced airborne radars in operation and a clear example of how long‑standing collaboration between leading European companies enables faster progress and the delivery of cutting‑edge solutions to our Armed Forces,” said Mónica Pérez Fernández, Eurofighter Programme Director at Indra.

ECRS Mk1 (Eurofighter Common Radar System Mark 1) is the next-generation Eurofighter Radar to be fielded by the air forces of Germany and Spain. Based on a multi-channel Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) and high-end processor, ECRS Mk1 will enhance the capabilities of the Eurofighter for the German and Spanish air forces. ECRS Mk1 architecture is designed to enhance the full range of fighter missions including Advanced Air-to-Air, High-Resolution Air-to-Ground as well as both passive and active electronic warfare capabilities. It has been contracted in 2020.

photo courtesy Hensoldt