defense

Helsing equips Eurofighter with AI electronic warfare system

Helsing and Saab Germany will integrate Cirra AI into the Eurofighter Arexis EW suite to improve real-time emitter classification and fighter survivability.

Mr. T (Curator)

Mr. T (Curator)

— 1 min read
Representatives from Saab and Helsing sign an agreement at a table with Swedish and German flags, backed by a screen displaying a fighter jet.
Representatives from Saab and Helsing sign an agreement at a table with Swedish and German flags, backed by a screen displaying a fighter jet. credit to Helsing

Key facts

  • Helsing will supply Cirra AI for Saab's Arexis EW suite under a three-digit million euro contract.
  • Cirra uses onboard deep learning to classify unknown air-defence emitters and infer intent in real time.
  • Integration over three years follows 2023 selection to equip 15 Luftwaffe Eurofighters; Airbus will support integration.

2 minute read

Helsing and Saab Germany have concluded a three-digit‑million‑euro agreement to upgrade the Eurofighter with an AI-enabled electronic warfare capability. Helsing will deliver Cirra, a deep‑learning software package designed to run on the aircraft and integrated into Saab's Arexis sensor suite. The contract follows selection by the German Ministry of Defence in 2023 to equip 15 Luftwaffe Eurofighters and marks the transition from concept and flight-test de‑risking into full integration. Airbus Defence and Space will collaborate on platform-level integration.

Cirra's principal function is onboard classification of unknown air‑defence emitters and intent recognition, offering near‑real‑time threat analysis to increase pilot survivability and mission effectiveness. Initially fielded as a standalone capability on individual Eurofighters, the system is intended to evolve toward cooperative data-sharing across other Luftwaffe combat aircraft, improving collective situational awareness.

Helsing has used a flying testbed and company-owned evaluation flights to validate the software ahead of integration. The programme underscores a broader European shift toward software‑centric EW solutions to counter increasingly adaptive air-defence networks. It also highlights policy and technical challenges: certifying AI for airworthiness, ensuring NATO and EU interoperability, and managing export and data-security risks. The partnership demonstrates growing European industrial capacity to field advanced AI-enabled defence technologies at operational tempo.

Source: Helsing

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