Eurofighter GmbH, NATO EF2000 and Tornado Development, Production and Logistics Management Agency (NETMA), and Eurojet Turbo GmbH today signed the Halcón contract that will support the continued modernization of the Army’s Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. spanish air.

According to the Eurofighter Typhoon website press release, the Halcón deal, announced at the ILA airshow in Berlin, will see Spain receive 16 single-seat and 4 two-seat fighters equipped with electronic radar (e-scan) which will replace a part of the former F-18 fleet. It will bring the Spanish Eurofighter fleet to 90 aircraft.

The aircraft, like those of the German Quadriga program signed in 2020, will also be equipped with future-proof hardware, software and even broader multi-role capability to engage air and ground targets. .

The Halcón contract was signed in a special ceremony at the ILA by Miguel Ángel Martín Pérez, General Manager of NETMA; Carlo Mancusi, Chief Executive Officer, Eurofighter GmbH; and Gerhard Baehr, CEO of Eurojet Turbo GmbH. The signing took place in the presence of senior military, industrial and diplomatic dignitaries from the main Eurofighter nations.

Miguel Ángel Martín Pérez, said:

“These new 20 Typhoons and 48 new EJ200 engines for Spain demonstrate that this weapon system is still operationally relevant to our air forces, an excellent option for hub nations and any potential export country.

Complementing other emerging European fighter programs, the Eurofighter and the EJ200 engine offer a proven, modern and reliable capability with potential for future growth based on over 35 years of experience.

Carlo Mancusi said:

“Today’s announcement is great news for many reasons, in particular as it signals the continued commitment to the future of the Eurofighter Typhoon from one of the four main partner nations. .

The order also underlines the current and future strength of the program – which will ensure that Eurofighter will continue to be the backbone of European air defense for many years to come – while representing a welcome support for the European aerospace industry.

Gerhard Baehr, said:

“I would like to thank the Spanish customer for their confidence in the Eurofighter platform, the EUROJET consortium, and the performance and durability of the EJ200 engines. This order strengthens European defense capability and simultaneously ensures the long-term security of a number of highly skilled jobs in the European aerospace industry.

The first Halcón aircraft will be delivered in 2026 and the new aircraft will secure industrial activity until 2030. With a service life well beyond 2060, the technical capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon will enable full integration into the future environment. air combat force of Europe.

The first Spanish production Eurofighter to fly was CE.16-01 (ST001) on February 17, 2003, departing Getafe Air Base. The Spanish Air Force assigned its Typhoons to QRA responsibilities in July 2008.

Eurofighter is Europe’s largest defense program, in which Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain are the main European partners. In addition to technological capabilities, the program secures more than 100,000 jobs in 400 companies in Europe.

Currently, 680 Eurofighter aircraft have been sold to nine countries around the world.

Photo credit: Copyright Eurofighter