HENSOLDT’s Kalaetron Attack air defense jamming system develops quickly.

Sensor solution provider HENSOLDT is pushing ahead with the development of its "Kalaetron Attack" jamming system against air defence radars at full speed. Shortly after the system proved itself in ground and flight tests under test conditions against air defence radars of various types, the range of Kalætron Attack was increased by modifications in the installation on the aircraft and further jamming modes were implemented.

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Preparations for testing close to operational requirements: Kalaetron Attack's AESA antenna on board a test aircraft  (Picture source: HENSOLDT)

The measures took place in a mission-typical installation arrangement on board a PC-12 test aircraft, while simultaneously proving electromagnetic compatibility with on-board systems. "We are making rapid progress with the further development of Kalaetron Attack," says Christoph Ruffner, Head of the Spectrum Dominance & Airborne Solutions Division at HENSOLDT. "With the successful ground tests and the upcoming test flights, we fulfil the requirements for participation in Bundeswehr exercises and trials. Thus, Kalætron Attack proves its capability for use in airborne electronic warfare."

The Kalaetron Attack jamming system is part of HENSOLDT's fully digital 'Kalaetron' product family, which is used in various versions in self-protection and signal reconnaissance systems by the Bundeswehr. In addition to cognitive elements of artificial intelligence, the core components are a fully digitalised, broadband sensor and an electronically controllable jammer.

Metallic 3D printing has enabled a condensed design of the electronic components so that the jammer can be easily integrated into pod formats commonly used worldwide or directly into various flying platforms. Kalaetron Attack, as an escort jammer on board the Eurofighter, can significantly increase the Eurofighter's assertiveness against highly integrated air defence clusters. Due to its scalability, the system can also be used in land- or ship-based applications.

After Kalaetron Attack has proven its effectiveness in the so-called "Airborne Electronic Attack" (AEA) mission, HENSOLDT plans to combine the jamming system with the Kalaetron Integral signal intelligence system as the next step.