Elettronica pitches Edge pod for Eurofighter EK requirement for Germany

Elettronica showcased conceptual artwork of its Edge electronic attack pod fitted to the Eurofighter EK, at the IQPC International Fighter Conference 2022 in Berlin. (Elettronica via Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Elettronica is to offer its Edge solution to the Luftwaffe for the new airborne electronic attack (AEA) capability Germany seeks to field on behalf of NATO from 2028.

Speaking to Janes at the IQPC International Fighter Conference 2022 in Berlin, Roberto Scotto di Vettimo, Global Sales and Business Development, said that a podded version of the Edge family of systems could be developed and integrated for the Eurofighter Electronic Combat (Elektronischer Kampf: EK) aircraft for the Luftwaffe's Luftgestützte Wirkung im Elektromagnetischen Spektrum (luWES) mission for NATO.

“We are currently integrating the Edge into a fuel [drop] tank for an undisclosed customer, and we will be bidding the Edge for the Eurofighter EK also,” Scotto di Vettimo said. “We have been part of the Eurofighter project since the 1990s, and our solution would be suitable for Tranche 2 to Tranche 5 Eurofighters.”

Elettronica is recommending to the Luftwaffe that two pods be fitted to each aircraft to ensure full hemispherical coverage. As noted by Scotto di Vettimo, with the Italian Elettronica company also having a German subsidiary in Elettronica GmbH, there is no need to partner with a German prime for the Luftwaffe contract.

With the Luftwaffe expected to conclude a preliminary qualification of the competing companies before the end of 2022, a fielded solution is expected in 2028.