“This new order is further proof of the Eurofighter’s importance to the German Air Force and the strategic role it plays in our country’s air defence and NATO capabilities,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “The continued evolution of the Eurofighter serves as an essential technological and operational bridge to a Future Combat Air System (FCAS), ensuring a seamless transition to the next generation of air power.”
The new Eurofighters will be equipped with the latest sensors, including the electronic E-Scan radar. Additionally, Airbus will integrate the Arexis electronic warfare sensor suite, developed by Saab, into both existing and newly built aircraft for the German fleet.
These upgrades will expand the operational scope of the Eurofighter, further strengthening Germany’s air surveillance and NATO mission capabilities. “With these additional Eurofighters, Germany strengthens its ability to conduct surveillance of its airspace and secure NATO’s skies, supporting Germany in its role as a reliable partner for collective security,” Schoellhorn added.
The Eurofighter programme, involving Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, is Europe’s largest defence initiative and supports more than 100,000 jobs across the continent, including 25,000 in Germany. Over 120 German suppliers contribute to the programme, which has seen more than 740 aircraft ordered by nine nations.
The German Air Force plans to operate the Eurofighter until the 2060s. Within the Future Combat Air System, expected to be operational from 2040, the Eurofighter will remain networked with both current and next-generation crewed and uncrewed aircraft to support mission success.
Source: Airbus (press release).
