The Eurofighter’s CAPTOR-E / ECRS Mk 0/Mk 1/Mk 2 radar marks a technological breakthrough. Field of view, GaN modules, electronic warfare: everything is explained.
Summary
The Eurofighter Typhoon, equipped with CAPTOR-E radar (also known as ECRS Mk 0/Mk 1/Mk 2 depending on the version), represents a major step forward in fighter radar technology thanks to two key innovations: an AESA antenna mounted on a rotating pivot allowing a 200-degree field of view (compared to approximately 120° for a fixed AESA), and the integration of gallium nitride (GaN) transmitter/receiver modules (T/R Modules) providing greater power, increased bandwidth, and improved thermal efficiency. The future ECRS Mk 2 goes even further by combining detection, multi-target tracking, and offensive electronic warfare in a single system. This advance repositions the Typhoon against the latest fighter aircraft, alerts the European industry, and redefines the technological balance in military aviation.
The Eurofighter radar: technology and challenges
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multi-role fighter developed by a European consortium and designed to perform coordinated air superiority and attack missions. At the heart of its modernization is the CAPTOR-E radar, developed by the Euroradar/Leonardo consortium and its partners.
The major transition involves replacing the mechanically scanned antenna (CAPTOR-M) with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna. This technology enables a much faster radar beam, improved tracking of multiple simultaneous targets, and increased resistance to jamming.
The challenge is twofold: on the one hand, to give the aircraft sensory superiority in an increasingly contested electromagnetic environment; on the other hand, to ensure European industry’s technological leadership in the face of American and Russian competitors.
From a technical standpoint, the figures speak for themselves: the manufacturer’s documentation indicates a detection range of over 200 km, as well as a 200° field of view thanks to the antenna’s swivel mount.
The steerable antenna: a wider field of view
Traditionally, in AESA radars, the antenna is fixed to the aircraft structure with an electronic scanning pattern, but limited to a typical field of view of ±60° in azimuth (i.e., approximately 120°). In this configuration, the aircraft must maneuver to orient the radar.
CAPTOR-E uses an antenna mounted on a rotating pivot (often via a mechanism known as a “gimbal” or “swashplate”) that allows the antenna to be oriented more widely in azimuth, while retaining the advantages of AESA. This choice allows a field of view of approximately 200° to be achieved without the need to turn the entire aircraft.
Technically, this provides:
- Increased ability to monitor a wider area, which is particularly useful in aerial maneuvers or long-range hunting.
- A reduction in radar “dead zones” where enemy aircraft could hide.
- Improved lateral (azimuth) tracking capability and therefore an advantage in “F-Pole” in aerial combat.
In comparison, many fixed AESA radars on modern aircraft remain limited to a field of approximately 120°, which reduces their coverage without aircraft maneuvering.
GaN T/R modules: power, bandwidth, and electronic warfare
Another major innovation of CAPTOR-E lies in its transceiver modules (T/R Modules) based on gallium nitride (GaN). The ECRS Mk 1 (and future Mk 2) versions use this type of component.
GaN offers numerous advantages over the older gallium arsenide (GaAs):
- Higher power density: enabling stronger radar emissions while reducing bulk.
- Improved thermal efficiency: improving heat management in fighter aircraft.
- Wider bandwidth: allowing additional functions such as jamming, electronic warfare, or data transmission.
In the context of the Typhoon, this means that the radar is no longer used solely to detect and track targets, but becomes a multi-function platform capable of combating enemy systems, monitoring the electromagnetic spectrum, and integrating electronic warfare functions.
This is a fundamental industrial and strategic choice. The integration of GaN marks the transition to “first-line” radar electronics for decades to come.
ECRS Mk 0, Mk 1, and Mk 2 versions: trajectory and capabilities
The CAPTOR-E radar is available in three main variants of the system called the European Common Radar System (ECRS): Mk 0, Mk 1, and Mk 2.
- ECRS Mk 0 is the basic version already in production and delivered to Typhoon export customers, such as Kuwait and Qatar.
- ECRS Mk 1 is an upgraded version for Germany and Spain, equipped with advanced T/R modules and enhanced radar processing.
- ECRS Mk 2 represents a technological leap forward: it is designed to combine traditional radar functions with offensive electronic warfare (EA) and cyberattack capabilities. The first test flight took place at the end of 2024.
This trajectory illustrates two approaches: on the one hand, maintaining immediate operational capabilities (Mk 0), and on the other, preparing a new-generation system (Mk 2) capable of responding to future threats.
Compared to other modern fighters (such as the F-35 Lightning II or the Dassault Rafale), the Typhoon with ECRS Mk 2 is among the most advanced in terms of radar/electronic warfare fusion.
Comparison with other modern fighter radars
To understand the innovation, it is necessary to compare it with other platforms:
- The typical fixed AESA radars on many aircraft offer excellent performance but remain limited by their fixed field of view. CAPTOR-E, with its steerable antenna, sets itself apart.
- Compared to the F-35, for example, CAPTOR-E claims to be able to detect certain adversaries at a range of over 59 km, according to sources.
- The Rafale, equipped with its RBE2 AESA radar, remains highly capable but does not have steerable antennas of this type and does not yet appear to have the same integrated electronic warfare capabilities.
- Finally, the combination of radar and electronic warfare in the ECRS Mk 2 potentially puts the Typhoon ahead in terms of flexibility and superiority in a dense electromagnetic environment.
Thus, the innovation of CAPTOR-E is not limited to a simple radar “update”: it profoundly changes the way a fighter jet perceives, processes, decides, and acts in the radar and electronic spectrum.
Implications for European industry and military strategy
This technology has multiple repercussions. On an industrial level, it strengthens the role of the European sector (Leonardo, Airbus, Hensoldt, Indra) in the field of fighter radars. It validates that Europe can develop 4.5/5th generation radars.
Strategically, it changes the game in air and electronic warfare. An aircraft such as the Typhoon equipped with the ECRS Mk 2 can operate in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments with better chances of survival and dominance. The integration of jamming or electronic attack functions within the radar challenges the traditional separation between radar and EW systems.
Finally, for the armed forces that use it, this raises new considerations: maintenance, supply chain, logistical support, and training for pilots and radar operators must evolve. Such advanced technology requires constant investment.
Challenges and limitations to consider
Despite its advantages, CAPTOR-E (and more broadly ECRS) presents challenges.
First, the integration of a rotating pivot adds mechanical complexity and may pose reliability or maintenance constraints over time. The steerable system must withstand vibration, wear, and aeronautical stresses.
Second, for electronic warfare capabilities to become fully operational, not only are the modules required, but also an appropriate doctrine, a reliable data network, and synchronization with other sensors (infrared, optronics). Simply having the radar is not enough to master the spectrum.
Furthermore, although a range of “more than 200 km” has been announced, real-world conditions (terrain masking, countermeasures, stealth) can greatly reduce performance. The figure remains an indicator rather than a guarantee.
Finally, the rise of this platform is motivating competitors to accelerate their own development, which is already renewing technological pressure.
A vision for the future
The CAPTOR-E / ECRS Mk radar system represents a turning point for the Eurofighter Typhoon. In the medium term, it could extend its service life and strengthen its role in European fleets.
At the same time, the European radar industry is gaining credibility, which may open up new export markets. Customers looking for a high-end, non-American solution may turn to this system.
Tactically, aircraft equipped with this radar become less dependent on simple missile strikes and evolve into electronic warfare platforms, network coordination hubs, and the “heart” of a network-centric air combat architecture.
The question that remains open is how this technology will be exploited in existing fleets, with what timeframes, and how the associated training and logistical support will be organized.
At a time when the electromagnetic spectrum and electronic warfare capabilities are playing an increasingly important role in modern conflicts, the Eurofighter Typhoon equipped with its CAPTOR-E / ECRS Mk 0-1-2 radar, represents a change of era. It is no longer just a question of “seeing the enemy,” but of dominating, monitoring, neutralizing, and piloting through information. With this initiative, Europe is positioning itself as a player capable of competing in the field of next-generation fighter radars.
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