Multi-Billion Euros Eurofighter-Typhoon Contract Signed

After the go ahead decision from the German parliament (Bundestag), NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) and Eurofighter Jagdflugzeuge GmbH have signed a €14 billion (approx. $17.6 billion) contract covering the second tranche of Eurofighter aircraft.

This important milestone for the Eurofighter-Typhoon program was announced by the British Minister of Defense Geoffrey Hoon in London. Furthermore, tranche 2 green light is the most important decision involving the European Defense this year. According to EADS sources, this contract also improves the export chances of high-tech Eurofighter. Uncertainty regarding the continuation of the program has ended following the contract signing ceremony.

Eurofighter-Typhoon aircraft to be delivered under tranche 2 will fully meet NATO and European Union (EU) requirements on network enhanced capabilities for all the air forces involved in this project. These aircraft will be capable of performing both air-to-air and air-ground missions with superior effectiveness over its predecessors such as Tornado or F/A-18 Hornet. These enhanced capabilities associated to tranche 2 aircraft have been achieved thru integration of new improved software and state-of-the-art weaponry.

Overall, Eurofighter-Typhoon program comprises three batches to deliver at least 620 aircraft to the four partner nations. Each batch has been associated with different aircraft capability standards. The second production batch includes delivery of 236 aircraft that will be distributed as follows: German Air Force 68, Spanish Air Force 33, Royal Air Force (UK) 89 and Italian Air Force 46. In addition, Austria, as the first export customer, will receive 18 aircraft to tranche 2 standard.

Deliveries of Eurofighter under tranche 2 agreement will begin in 2008 and will continue until an undisclosed date. The new aircraft standard will deliver a powerful swing-role aircraft (with air-to-air and air-to-ground roles) earlier than envisaged. The United Kingdom share on the second batch is £4.3 billion.

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