The armaments companies RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Diehl Defense GmbH & Co. KG and Hensoldt Sensors GmbH have concluded a cooperation agreement for the SPICE 250 ER (Extended Range) modular system for electronic warfare.According to a statement from Diehl, the agreement was signed at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget last week.
Building on past collaborations, this partnership aims to provide the German Air Force with state-of-the-art solutions that offer capabilities and enhancements specific to the Eurofighter EK and the entire LuWES program. LuWES stands for Airborne Effects in the Electromagnetic Spectrum.
The Eurofighter EK program, currently under development, is intended to replace the Tornado ECR electronic combat (EK) platforms currently in service with the German Air Force. With the SPICE 250 ER solution, Diehl Defense is one step closer to becoming the prime contractor for the German Air Force for airborne munitions. In a market survey, however, the Bundeswehr procurement office recently selected the Swedish company Saab together with the start-up Helsing as the preferred provider for an EK solution.
Wie es in der Mitteilung weiter heißt, knüpft die Zusammenarbeit an frühere Vereinbarungen zwischen RAFAEL und Diehl Defence bezüglich der SPICE-Munitionsfamilie an. Darüber hinaus stärke RAFAELs Vereinbarung mit Hensoldt im Bereich der elektronischen Kampfführung, einschließlich des Sky Shield/Kalaetron Wideband Electronic Attack und Escort Jamming Pod, die Expertise und Synergie zwischen den Parteien.
RAFAEL's SPICE 250 ER system, derived from the SPICE family of highly automated human-in-the-loop air-to-surface missiles, serves as the basis for this collaboration. SPICE 250 ER is equipped with a turbojet engine, which allows it to be used in larger distance ranges.
Thanks to its modularity, the Spice250 ER allows for the carrying of expanded payloads by replacing the traditional warhead. According to the announcement, it offers the ability to suppress enemy air defenses, also known as Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD).
lah / editorial