Eurofighter ECRS Mk1 Radar Moves into Live Operations Testing for German and Spanish Combat Aircraft

Spanish Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon from ALA-11 bsed in Moron, Spain

(IN BRIEF) The Eurofighter Common Radar System Mark 1 has begun testing in live operations, advancing the next-generation radar programme being developed by HENSOLDT and Indra for the air forces of Germany and Spain. The new phase follows ground-based testing and is intended to pave the way for airborne trials in 2026, with delivery to Germany and Spain targeted for 2027. During testing, the Mk1 radar is fully fitted with hardware and the most advanced software version available, and is being stimulated with live targets of opportunity and cooperative targets to simulate realistic scenarios and mature the radar software. Early results show improved robustness and performance from the new hardware and software architecture, confirming the enhanced subsystem choices made by customers in 2024. Based on multi-channel AESA technology and a high-end processor, ECRS Mk1 is designed to strengthen Eurofighter capabilities across advanced air-to-air, high-resolution air-to-ground and electronic warfare missions.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 5-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Eurofighter Common Radar System Mark 1 has entered a new testing phase in live operations, marking an important step in the development of the next-generation radar system for German and Spanish Eurofighter aircraft.

The ECRS Mk1 radar is being developed by consortium partners HENSOLDT and Indra and is scheduled to be fielded by the air forces of Germany and Spain. The latest phase moves the programme forward from ground-based testing toward airborne trials planned for 2026, supporting the target of delivering the radar to both countries in 2027.

During the live operations testing phase, the Mk1 radar is fully equipped with hardware and fitted with the most advanced software version developed so far. The system is being tested against live targets of opportunity and live cooperative targets, allowing the teams to simulate realistic operational scenarios and continue maturing the radar software.

Initial results have demonstrated the improved robustness and performance of the new Mk1 radar hardware and software architecture. The outcome provides strong confirmation of the enhanced ECRS Mk1 radar subsystem choices made in 2024 by the programme’s customers.

Falko Firl, Head of Eurofighter Radar at HENSOLDT, said the milestone represents a major step toward delivery of the ECRS Mk1 to Germany and Spain in 2027. He said the progress reflects the sustained commitment of the ECRS Mk1 industry partners and the strong support of the German and Spanish customers. Firl added that the achievement is a significant recognition of the teams across Germany and Spain working to deliver advanced air combat capabilities to the ECRS Mk1 nations.

Mónica Pérez Fernández, Eurofighter Programme Director at Indra, said the start of the testing phase marks a key milestone in equipping the Eurofighter with an AESA radar offering advanced capabilities that will support the aircraft’s air superiority in the years ahead. She noted that the system is expected to become one of the most advanced airborne radars in operation and highlighted the programme as an example of how long-standing cooperation between leading European companies can accelerate progress and deliver cutting-edge solutions to armed forces.

The ECRS Mk1 radar is based on a multi-channel Active Electronically Scanned Array and a high-end processor. The system is designed to significantly enhance the Eurofighter’s mission capabilities for the German and Spanish air forces.

Its architecture supports a broad range of fighter aircraft missions, including advanced air-to-air operations, high-resolution air-to-ground functions, and both passive and active electronic warfare capabilities. The programme was contracted in 2020 and is now advancing through a key validation stage as live operational testing begins.

The move into live operations testing reinforces the role of HENSOLDT, Indra and Airbus as core industry partners in the ECRS Mk1 programme, while highlighting the importance of European defence cooperation in developing next-generation combat aircraft technologies.

About HENSOLDT

HENSOLDT is a leading European high-tech company in the defence and security industry, based in Taufkirchen near Munich. The company develops sensor solutions, electronics and software for the air, land, sea, cyber and space domains, helping armed forces worldwide to detect threats early and make informed operational decisions.

Building on decades of experience in mission-critical sensor technology, HENSOLDT combines radar, optronics, electronics and cyber expertise with data-driven software and artificial intelligence. The aim is to integrate and analyse sensor data from different platforms and domains and merge it into a reliable situational picture.

HENSOLDT has thus evolved from a traditional sensor supplier to a new-generation system integrator – a ‘neo-system house’ that enables networked, Software-Defined Defence capabilities and supports information superiority in missions.

In the 2025 financial year, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of €2.46 billion with around 9,500 employees. The company is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.

Further information: www.hensoldt.net

About Indra Group

Indra Group (https://www.indragroup.com/) is the foremost Spanish multinational and one of the leading European companies that focus on defence and advanced digitalization. It stands at the forefront of the defence, space, air traffic management, mobility, and transformative technologies through Minsait, and it integrates its sovereign AI, cybersecurity and cyberdefence capabilities into IndraMind. Indra Group is paving the way to a more secure and better-connected future through innovative solutions, trusted relationships and the very best talent. Sustainability is an integral part of its strategy and culture in order to overcome current and future social and environmental challenges. At the close of the 2025 financial year, Indra Group posted revenues of € 5.457 billion and had a local presence in 46 countries and business operations in over 140 countries.

Further information: https://www.indragroup.com/en

Media Contacts:

HENSOLDT:

Nico Fritz
T: +49 (0)731.392.6203
E: nico.fritz@hensoldt.net

Indra Group:

Antonio Tovar
T +34 683 667 916
E: atovar@indra.es

SOURCE: Indra Group