On December 23, the Eurofighter program – just three days after the signed Halcon II contract for 25 aircraft for the Spanish Air Force – had more positive news to report: Eurofighter and the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) signed a contract in Rome for the sale of 24 Typhoons to the Italian Air Force.
The new Italian aircraft will replace the Tranche 1 aircraft currently in service in around four years’ time.
Giancarlo Mezzanatto, Chief Executive Officer of Eurofighter until the turn of the year (-> Jorge Tamarit Degenhardt is the new CEO of Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH) – he had already mentioned Italy and Spain as potential customers mentioned to Militär Aktuell during the Paris Air Show 2023 – said: “Italy’s decision to acquire a further 24 aircraft is of course fantastic news for our program and once again demonstrates the strength and importance of the Eurofighter Typhoon in Europe. In the past seven days, two of the four partner countries of the Eurofighter programme have signed new contracts with the clear intention of continuing with the modernization of their respective air forces and confirming the crucial role they attribute to this aircraft.”
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Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman of Leonardosaid: “The Eurofighter program has undoubtedly guaranteed a high technological level over the years. Its success is also a testament to the extraordinary synergies between industry and the military. We are proud of what we have achieved together and we are committed to ensuring that Italy and all other partner countries continue to achieve the level of capability they deserve.”
The Italian global corporation Leonardo is responsible for the development and production of the rear fuselage, the left wing, the IRST Pirate System (Infra-Red Search and Track) and the Captor-E Mk0 and Mk2 radar systems. Italian media also report that Leonardo’s industrial share of the new Italian aircraft is expected to reach up to 36 percent.
Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, commented: “This contract is a fundamental success for the Eurofighter program in Italy. Since its inception, it has played a crucial role in defence and national security, as well as in the development of advanced technologies and the employment of thousands of highly specialized professionals. With the new contract, the program will ensure even greater capacity and economic returns for many years to come.”
AVM Simon Ellard, General Manager of NETMA: “The additional 24 aircraft for Italy once again make us proud of the Eurofighter program. They will strengthen the capabilities of the Air Force and contribute to the security of Italy, Europe and NATO security. This order, which follows the recent contract for 25 additional aircraft for the Spanish Air Force, shows that the Typhoon continues to be the backbone of European air defense.”
Other key players in the Italian aerospace industry also benefit from the Eurofighter program: ELT Group, for example, has the technical design authority for the DASS Praetorian electronic self-protection system, while Avio Aero contributes up to 19 percent of the EJ-200 engine. MBDA Italia plays an important role in the integration of the weapon systems. In addition, dozens of other suppliers throughout Italy are also involved in the production process.
As with the new Spanish Halcon II order, the new Italian Tranche-4 Eurofighters or – if the first 20 Tranche-5s for the German Air Force are if the first 20 Tranche-5s for the German Air Force are realized in the near future – even Tranche-5, with advanced avionics and new armament such as Brimstone III and Meteor, new sensors and improved connectivity and combat electronic robustness.
Here for more Eurofighter news.
