Hensoldt develops demonstrator SIGINT pod for Eurodrone
Hensoldt has already tested a communications intelligence demonstrator on a Learjet test aircraft. (Photo: GFD)
The company has already demonstrated its C-ESM capabilities in ground and flight tests.
Hensoldt is developing sensor equipment that can be integrated into a pod, giving the Eurodrone signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability.
The SIGINT technology will utilise digitation advancements, including electronic beam steering and metallic 3D printing, already used on the company's Kalaetron product line.
A contract for implementation and testing of a SIGINT demonstrator worth €15 million ($16.3 million) has been awarded by the German BAAINBw procurement agency.
As part of the contract, Hensoldt is developing a system architecture for integrating SIGINT capability into the Eurodrone’s mission system.
Hensoldt Spectrum Dominance & Airborne Solutions Division head Christoph Ruffner said: ‘From our experience with other SIGINT projects and our own technology programmes, we are in a position to offer a flexible SIGINT solution for the Eurodrone that can be integrated into a pod, but can also be used networked with other platforms.’
The German Armed Forces already use the Kalaetron product family in self-protection and SIGINT systems.
Key elements of the system include a digitised broadband receiver, an electronically controllable antenna, and a condensed structure of electronic components.
Hensoldt said these combinations, in concert, allowed for SIGINT equipment to be integrated into a compact pod that can be easily deployed on flying platforms.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US budget boosts Boeing’s F-15EX with $3.1 billion investment to increase fleet to 129]()
US budget boosts Boeing’s F-15EX with $3.1 billion investment to increase fleet to 129
The F-15EX Eagle II had already been singled out for further funding in January 2025, when it was chosen to replace the A-10 aircraft for the US National Guard.
-
![Spain earmarks $1.6 billion for Hurjet trainer aircraft acquisition]()
Spain earmarks $1.6 billion for Hurjet trainer aircraft acquisition
Spain’s Defence Minister told the Senate Defense Commission on 27 June of the decision to acquire Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) trainers as the country seeks to replace its Northrop F-5M aircraft.
-
![US Navy’s FA-XX programme still an “option”, as FY2026 US defence budget outline proposed]()
US Navy’s FA-XX programme still an “option”, as FY2026 US defence budget outline proposed
The US Navy’s answer to a sixth-generation fighter has experienced a range of setbacks and delays to the programme, with only $47 million in this latest proposed budget set aside for completing the aircraft.
