Germany has signed a contract for the acquisition of 20 new Eurofighter jets to enhance its defence capabilities. The multi-role aircraft will be produced at Airbus’ final assembly line in Manching, near Munich, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2031 and conclude in 2034.
Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, stated: “This order underscores the Eurofighter’s strategic importance to the German Air Force and its role in national air defence and NATO capabilities.” He added that the continued evolution of the Eurofighter provides a crucial technological and operational bridge to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
The new jets will feature the latest sensors, including an electronic E-Scan radar, and Airbus will integrate Saab’s Arexis electronic warfare suite into both existing and newly produced aircraft for the German fleet.
These upgrades will expand the operational scope of the Eurofighter, further enhancing Germany’s air surveillance and NATO mission capabilities. Schoellhorn noted: “With these additional aircraft, Germany strengthens its ability to monitor its airspace and secure NATO skies, reaffirming its role as a reliable partner in collective defence.”
The Eurofighter programme, encompassing Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, is Europe’s largest defence initiative, supporting over 100,000 jobs across the continent, including 25,000 in Germany. More than 120 German suppliers contribute to the programme, which has seen over 740 aircraft ordered by nine nations.
The German Air Force intends to operate the Eurofighter into the 2060s. Within the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), expected to be operational by 2040, the Eurofighter will remain networked with both current and next-generation crewed and uncrewed aircraft to support mission success.
