Alenia Aermacchi, in collaboration with BAE Systems and Cassidian, its Panavia consortium partners, has delivered the first upgraded Tornado ECR (electronic combat/Reconnaissance) to the Italian Air Force. Alenia Aermacchi, as technical and programme leader, is in the process of upgrading the avionics and systems of 15 Tornado ECR.

The Tornado ECR MLU is the upgraded version of the ECR currently in use by the Italian Air Force. Its main function is to localise and suppress hostile air defence radar emitter sources by anti-radar missiles.

The aircraft upgrade includes several subsystems and functionality additions as well as modifications to the on-board systems, avionics equipment and mission software. The Tornado ECR MLU features an integrated IN-GPS navigation system supported by a multi-mode receiver (MMR) system for approaches and ILS blind landings.

The new communication and identification system embodies the latest standards of secure communication capacities as well as a data transmission/reception capacity via Data-Link (MIDS), which integrates TACAN navigation functionalities.

The pilot and navigator cockpits feature new multi-function display suites that improve man-machine interface and reduce crew workload; the navigator cockpit features new TVTAB LCD colour displays that replace former monochromatic display and the internal and external lighting systems are compatible with NVG night vision goggles.