Leonardo Eyes Asia-Pacific Markets with its Next-generation Modular E-scan Solution

Our Bureau - : Oct 19, 2025 - : 5:42 pm

The Italian defence conglomerate Leonardo is promoting its family of Grifo-E Active Electronically Scan Array (AESA) multimode airborne Fire Control Radars at the ongoing Seoul ADEX as it eyes significant market demand for these cutting-edge systems across the Asia-Pacific region.

The radars have a proven track record of delivering exceptional performance and flexibility combined with ease of installation and affordability to meet diverse market requirements. Company officials note that the Grifo-E family’s flexibility makes it equally suitable for frontline combat aircraft and aggressor or red-air training platforms, enhancing tactical training realism and preparing pilots for advanced, multi-domain combat environments.

Leonardo’s trusted Grifo radars have a strong heritage and legacy with over 450 of the previous variants delivered for integration onto platforms and having logged more than 100,000 operational flight hours worldwide. Grifo radars allow for superior long-range detection and tracking in air-to-air and air-to-surface missions and accurate weapon aiming. It combines exceptional performance with ease of installation.

Over the last two years Leonardo and South Korean Hanwha Systems have been cooperating to co-develop AESA Fire Control Radar technologies to meet emerging needs also for the international market. In summer 2024, the two partners announced that Hanwha Systems had designed, developed and integrated a dedicated AESA electronically scanning antenna. This year, the collaboration is taking a further step forward with the family of E-scan radars expected to feature two configurations based on different antennas – one of them designated Grifo EK, providing the market with an even more competitive solution based on alternative options meeting a broader spectrum of export and support needs.

The Grifo-E represents a step-change in capability, combining cutting-edge E-scan performance with flexibility, integration ease, and affordability. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)-free, the scalable and modular Grifo-E family of radars seamlessly integrates with fighters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), co-operative uncrewed aircraft and light attack platforms. It is offered for new as well as upgraded aircraft.

Some of the key characteristics of this family of AESA radars feature a high-efficiency, low-consumption GaN technology, low weight, full Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) along with provisions, and growth capability to extend its capabilities, including sensor fusion with Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST). Leonardo’s software architecture allows for radar modes update and customization to meet operator’s needs. The hardware architecture, particularly the antenna, can be adapted to aircraft’s nose dimension, power and cooling requirements. The system has been designed with reduced maintenance and low through-life cycle support cost.