Germany Adds 20 More Eurofighter Typhoon Fighters to Air Force Arsenal

Germany has announced its intention to acquire an additional 20 Eurofighter jets for its air force, Chancellor Scholz confirmed at the ILA Berlin-2024 exhibition, running from June 5 to June 9.

Addressing attendees at the event's opening in Berlin, Chancellor Scholz reiterated the nation's commitment to bolstering its arms production capacity, stating, "We will order 20 more Eurofighters before the end of this legislative session (scheduled for autumn 2025) — in addition to the 38 aircraft currently in the pipeline."

The Eurofighter Typhoon, known for its twin-engine, canard-delta wing design and multirole capabilities, is jointly manufactured by a consortium comprising Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo.

Also read: Eurofighter Consortium Announces Phase 4 Enhancement Package for Typhoon

Its strategic significance was underscored by the Eurofighter Typhoon's CEO in November 2023, who highlighted its importance amidst global geopolitical shifts, aiming for operational relevance spanning 30 to 40 years. Airbus CEO Giancarlo Mezzanatto echoed concerns about potential order shortages, cautioning that production could cease by 2030 without intervention.

“It (today’s contract) underlines Germany’s long-term commitment to the Eurofighter. Eurofighter Typhoon will be the backbone of Europe’s defense for decades to come,” Mezzanatto said.

As of October 2023, the Eurofighter consortium had 83 aircraft on order, with 597 already delivered to partner nations and export customers. Ongoing efforts to secure new orders include negotiations with potential buyers such as Spain and Poland. However, Saudi Arabia's interest remains hindered by Germany's arms export ban.

Future developments for the Eurofighter Typhoon prioritize enhanced capabilities, with discussions ongoing regarding potential sales to Turkey, which has expressed interest in acquiring 40 Typhoon jets. However, uncertainties persist in negotiations with Germany, prompting Turkey to explore alternative options.