In a significant move to strengthen its military air fleet, Germany has announced the purchase of 20 additional Eurofighter Typhoons.

This decision, unveiled by Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2024, aligns with Germany’s broader push to ramp up defense capabilities and support the European defense industry amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The acquisition, valued at around 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion), not only enhances Germany’s military prowess but also ensures the vitality of Airbus’s production lines through 2032.

Currently, the German Luftwaffe operates 138 Eurofighters, which are the backbone of its air defense and ground attack operations.

In his announcement, Chancellor Scholz emphasized, “That is why we will order 20 more Eurofighters before the end of this legislative session—in addition to the 38 aircraft currently in the pipeline,” underscoring the nation’s commitment to bolstering its armed forces capability and its NATO commitments.

The Eurofighter, a single-seat, all-weather combat aircraft, is produced by a consortium of Airbus, the United Kingdom’s BAE Systems, and Italy’s Leonardo.

It plays a crucial role in Germany’s defense strategy, offering advanced features for network-enabled operations in collaboration with both German forces and military alliance partners.

The German government’s decision is not only about immediate defense readiness but also about securing the future of its aerospace industry.

Germany is working in partnership with France and Spain on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a project focused on developing a sixth-generation fighter aircraft set to enter service by the beginning of the 2040s.

The FCAS program, however, has faced setbacks, including disagreements among the partner countries, which partly explains the added investment in the Eurofighter fleet.

Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus, welcomed Scholz’s decision, saying, “We will ensure continuity in the production of the Typhoon until we have the new FCAS, and that is something very encouraging for the industry.”

Spain and Italy are also considering additional Eurofighter purchases, and Airbus, alongside BAE Systems, is pursuing export opportunities in Saudi Arabia following the lifting of Germany’s previous restrictions on the sale of the jets to the Gulf kingdom.

This proactive approach by Germany comes at a time when Europe is grappling with the need to increase industrial production of military equipment, both to support Ukraine and to replenish its own reserves.

Chancellor Scholz’s assertive stance was echoed over the weekend when he used a visit by Baltic officials to warn Russian President Vladimir Putin against further aggression.

In anticipation of the new Eurofighters, Airbus has already announced the Phase 4 Enhancement (P4E) for the Typhoon, which will include an automated sensor management capability for radars.

Relevant articles:
– Germany Is Going All-in With the Eurofighter Typhoon, The National Interest
– Germany’s Scholz says 20 more Eurofighters to be ordered, Breaking Defense
– Germany orders additional Eurofighter Tranche 5 fighters, scramble.nl
– Germany Will Purchase 20 New Eurofighter Tranche 5 Jets, The Aviationist