IRIA News

The German government has announced plans to purchase an additional 20 Eurofighter combat aircraft as the NATO member state increases defense spending amid Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The latest order would supplement the 38 fighter jets already under production for Germany.

The announcement was made on the opening day of the Berlin Air Show on June 5, 2024, highlighting the significant boost in Berlin’s defense spending driven by Russia’s war against Ukraine. This move aims to enhance Germany’s defense capabilities while supporting the regional aerospace industry, as stated by Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

“The 20 new Eurofighters will help aircraft manufacturer Airbus keep the production line humming ‘continuously,’” said Scholz.

Eurofighter welcomes Germany announcement to expand Eurofighter Fleet! 🚀

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced the purchase of 20 additional Eurofighter jets, reinforcing Germany’s commitment to NATO and bolstering European defence capabilities.

“Today’s announcement from the… pic.twitter.com/rBgVNcSbLq

— Eurofighter Typhoon (@eurofighter) June 5, 2024

The order would provide a substantial boost to the German and European aerospace sector, which has seen a resurgence due to increased defense budgets. The 20 new Eurofighters, costing approximately $2.2 billion, will help maintain a continuous production line at Airbus, the manufacturer of the aircraft.

Boost for Aerospace industry

In addition to domestic acquisitions, Scholz also hinted at export opportunities for the Eurofighter, developed in collaboration with the U.K., Italy, and Spain. Industry officials interpret this as a signal of potential sizable orders on the horizon.

The Eurofighter is already a key component of the air forces in Austria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar. Scholz announced additional ‘perspectives’ on future exports of the jet, implying another significant batch might be forthcoming.

The export of Eurofighters to Middle Eastern countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia remains a politically sensitive issue in Europe’s regional political landscape due to the human rights violation allegations surrounding these countries. Germany’s stance has been to allow sales to Saudi Arabia through Britain, mitigating direct involvement while still participating in the broader market. This strategy aims to balance ethical concerns with economic and strategic interests.

Airbus is currently manufacturing 38 Eurofighters of the Quadriga configuration for the German Air Force. The project is valued at around $6 billion, with the final deliveries scheduled for 2030. At the same time, Germany is also collaborating with France and Spain on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), an ambitious next-generation aircraft project. Despite the target date of 2040, there are indications that this timeline may extend, prompting Germany and France to upgrade their existing fleets of the Eurofighter and Rafale jets respectively.

Berlin Air Show

The Berlin Air Show serves as a platform for German and European defense firms to showcase their efforts at a time of heightened national security threats and industrial revitalization. Germany’s sudden decision to purchase additional Eurofighters reflects the country’s strategic approach to national defense and industrial support. As Europe faces evolving security challenges, bolstering defense capabilities while navigating complex export dynamics remains crucial.

Wir wollen eine starke Luft- und Raumfahrtbranche in Deutschland und Europa. Dazu gehört Planungssicherheit in der Verteidigungsindustrie. Deshalb sorgen wir für verlässliche Aufträge – auch mit der Bestellung von 20 weiteren Eurofightern noch in dieser Legislaturperiode. #ILA24 pic.twitter.com/uyXSvdTSYu

— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) June 5, 2024

“We want a strong aerospace industry in Germany and Europe,” Scholz said in a social media post following the inauguration of the Berlin Air Show. Scholz’s remarks underscore the significant step in Germany’s defense strategy, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a strong and technologically advanced military force in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.