The Praetorian Long-Term Evolution (LTE) study will lay the groundwork for future development, ensuring that the Typhoon's electronic defense system remains one of the most advanced in the world for decades to come. The contract is a key component of the broader Eurofighter Typhoon LTE study, which aims to identify a set of technological upgrades for the aircraft's weapon system infrastructure and propulsion, and provide a clear roadmap for its future.
The Praetorian DASS is a system supplied by the EuroDASS consortium, comprised of Leonardo, Elettronica, Indra, and Hensoldt. With it, the Typhoon is equipped with advanced protection against threats, including infrared (IR or thermal) and guided missiles. The system is highly regarded by users and has been combat-tested in peacekeeping operations in Libya and Syria.
The LTE project will enable the Typhoon to remain an effective and survivable combat aircraft for decades to come, in a context where potential adversaries are rapidly developing new technologies. The Praetorian Defensive Aids Subsystem (DASS) is the Typhoon's protective system, comprised of sensors and jamming equipment that provide exceptional situational awareness and maximum digital stealth operability, achieved through the use of advanced electronic deception techniques. The Praetorian LTE study will analyze the potential future needs of the DASS so that the Typhoon can respond more quickly, easily, and affordably to emerging threats.
The study is expected to offer long-term technical options and capabilities to underpin the platform's future development. These could affect both the architecture, enabling the rapid and cost-effective integration of new functionalities, and the sensor fusion and utilization that provide the platform's multi-role flexibility. Several of these options will be studied and presented to Eurofighter partner countries to support informed decision-making.
