Helsing upgrades Eurofighter with Artificial Intelligence

Munich, 19.11.2025 – Helsing, the leading European defence technology company, and Saab Germany are to equip the Eurofighter with a new Electronic Warfare (EW) system, whereby Helsing will supply the artificial intelligence. The two companies have signed a corresponding contract valued at a three-digit million Euro amount.

The contract stipulates that Helsing will deliver its AI-based software, Cirra, for electronic warfare. Over the next three years, Cirra will be integrated into Saab's Arexis sensor suite on the Eurofighter. The software and hardware from both companies will jointly enable the Eurofighter to conduct combat missions and to destroy enemy air defence systems. This includes scenarios against equivalently resourced modern air forces.

The Eurofighter is initially to be enabled as a standalone air capability. In the future it will also enhance the capability of other Luftwaffe combat aircraft through the collaborative sharing of data.

Helsing's Cirra software addresses one of the most pressing issues in the air domain: adaptable and dynamic air defence radars. Cirra utilises deep learning to classify unknown air defence emitters and understand their intentions. The algorithms run directly on the fighter aircraft, enabling real-time threat analysis and intent recognition, even with unknown emitters. Cirra thus significantly increases the survivability of fighter jets and provides allied air force personnel with complete and accurate situational awareness.

To demonstrate the system's capabilities and reduce programme risks, Helsing integrated Cirra into a flying testbed in recent months, and company-owned test and evaluation flights were conducted.

Saab Germany and Helsing were already selected in 2023 by the German Federal Ministry of Defence to enable 15 Luftwaffe Eurofighters with Electronic Warfare (EW). With the contract now concluded and following the successful completion of the concept phase over the last 18 months, the integration of the system into the Eurofighter will commence in collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space.

Gundbert Scherf, co-founder and co-CEO of Helsing, stated: "Following intensive testing and investment, we look forward to moving into the development phase together with Saab. This step underscores our ability to rapidly develop, test, and introduce new technologies in close collaboration with industry partners."