The partnership between the Czech company ERA and the European group Airbus Defence and Space represents a major milestone in the defense industry and European cooperation. ERA, known for its passive airspace surveillance technologies, will integrate its sensors into the Fortion system. The combination of the Czech company's expertise and Airbus's industrial strength represents a concrete step towards an autonomous European defense architecture and the strengthening of the EU's strategic sovereignty.

Growing threats in Europe, significantly escalated by the war in Ukraine, require rapid detection and response to air attacks. ERA offers passive sensors capable of tracking targets without emitting signals, minimizing the likelihood of detection by the enemy. In a report published this year, the British think tank IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies) described this technology as “critical for air defense systems capable of withstanding highly intense conflict.” Passive sensors enable allied forces to identify threats even in environments with high electronic interference, provide key data on target movements, and increase the security of their own positions, which together significantly reduces command response times.

According to the framework agreement presented in September this year, cooperation will focus on integrating ERA passive sensors into Airbus command and control systems within the Fortion family. Specifically, these are the Fortion 1 SkyControl, Fortion SAMOC, and Fortion IBMS modules, which form the backbone of multi-layered IAMD (Integrated Air and Missile Defense) systems. Fortion 1 SkyControl serves as a central hub for acquiring and distributing air situation information, Fortion SAMOC optimizes the deployment of multiple missile defense systems in real time, while Fortion IBMS provides centralized control and coordination of short- and medium-range systems. When signing the agreement, Airbus stated that the goal is to “explore how ERA's passive technologies can enhance the capabilities of our Fortion systems and bring real added value to integrated air and missile defense.” The integration of ERA's passive systems (PET – Passive Surveillance ESM Tracker and VERA-NG) will extend the capabilities of Fortion modules with a dimension that has been limited in European IAMD solutions to date, i.e., the ability to monitor and assess the air situation without actively emitting a signal.

ERA technology works on the principle of “seeing without being seen.” Passive sensors detect electromagnetic emissions from enemy systems (radars, communication channels, or aircraft transponders) and enable the creation of a complete picture of the air situation without any emissions of their own that could be detected or attacked. “Our passive systems allow armed forces to track the enemy without the risk of detection,” summarized ERA CEO Ondřej Chlost. “This capability is becoming crucial on the modern battlefield.” Airbus added that the integration of these sensors into Fortion modules “increases command and control effectiveness even in the most demanding scenarios and provides real added value within the European integrated air and missile defense.”

In February this year, the European Defense Agency (EDA) warned against “the application of national preferences in European cooperation” and urged member states to open up the market to European solutions. ERA-Airbus cooperation is a concrete implementation of this recommendation. ERA supplies cutting-edge technologies, while Airbus ensures their implementation and integration into the systems that form the backbone of European air defense. The combination of passive surveillance capabilities, rapid data analysis, and command and control connectivity provides a comprehensive, real-time view of threats and enables faster and more accurate decision-making.

This year, the IISS think tank also highlighted “significant shortcomings in integrated air and missile defense” in Europe and the “fragmented and often incompatible” capabilities of member states. The partnership between ERA and Airbus responds to this shortcoming, unifying European capabilities and increasing the effectiveness of defense operations. This model of cooperation shows how a smaller European country can contribute to the strategic strengthening of continental security while supporting European industry.

However, the speed of technology deployment poses a challenge. Threats are evolving very rapidly, from hypersonic missiles to massive attacks by cheap drones. “Europe cannot afford decades-long development cycles,” warns the EDA. “We need flexibility, innovation, and rapid capability deployment.” ERA offers the advantage of field-proven systems that have undergone testing, export, and combat deployment in Ukraine, which shortens the time to integration into Fortion systems and increases Europe’s ability to respond in critical moments.

From the perspective of Czech industry, this cooperation confirms its ability to manufacture for domestic forces, export technology to third countries, and become part of top-level European programs. The project paves the way for other Czech companies to build on ERA's experience and offer technology to major European players. At the same time, it signals to political representatives that supporting the defense industry and integrating it into European chains brings long-term strategic advantages and a stable position for future European investments.

Overall, the cooperation between ERA and Airbus serves as a model for contemporary European defense cooperation. It combines the unique know-how of a smaller country with the industrial and political weight of a large corporation and responds to the recommendations of European and national documents. Realizing the full potential of the project will open a new phase in the development of an integrated European defense architecture with a significant role for Czech technologies. This will increase Europe's security, preparedness, and autonomy, and also support the long-term strategic stability of the continent.