Eurofighter Consortium Finalizes Terms with Spain for 25 Typhoon Fighter Jets

The Eurofighter Consortium and Spain have agreed on terms to sell 25 additional Typhoon (C.16) fighter jets as part of Spain's Halcon II program, marking a key step in Spain's plan to modernize its air force by replacing its aging EF-18 Hornet fleet.

The deal, first discussed in 2023, was finalized during the International Fighter Conference (IFC) held in Berlin on November 5, with a formal contract signing between Eurofighter and the NATO Eurofighter 2000 and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) expected soon, Janes reports.

The Spanish Ministry of Defense’s purchase includes 25 Typhoon jets in the Tranche 4+ configuration, intended to phase out American-made EF-18M fighters (C.15 in Spanish service). Spain’s current Eurofighter fleet consists of multiple configurations—17 Tranche 1, 32 Tranche 2, and 19 Tranche 3 models—and is set to receive 20 Tranche 4 Typhoons under the first Halcon order by 2026. This latest acquisition will bring the total of new Typhoon units for Spain to 45, with discussions of further purchases to potentially include the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II in a mixed fleet.

Eurofighter's focus on expanding Typhoon sales extends beyond Spain, with announcements of potential orders from other nations at the IFC event. Qatar is exploring a second batch of 12 Typhoons, Saudi Arabia is considering an additional 54, Turkey is eyeing 40, and Poland is assessing a possible order for 32 jets.

The Eurofighter Consortium offers client countries opportunities to participate in component manufacturing, strengthening local defense industries. Eurofighter's strategy also includes specialized versions, such as Germany's recent order of Typhoon EK aircraft for electronic warfare, incorporating advanced Arexis EW systems and anti-radar missiles to replace Germany’s Tornado ECR fleet and enhance information dominance in modern conflicts.