Eurofighter and NETMA (the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) have signed a contract for the delivery of up to 24 additional Eurofighter Typhoon multirole fighter aircraft to the Italian Air Force.
The new Italian Eurofighter Typhoon fighters will replace the Tranche 1 versions that are currently in service with the Italian Air Force and will be equipped with advanced avionics, enhanced weapon systems capable of operating Brimstone III and Meteor, new sensors and improved connectivity.
Giancarlo Mezzanatto, Chief Executive of Eurofighter, said: “Italy’s decision to purchase an additional 24 jets is, of course, fantastic news for our programme, further demonstrating the strength and importance that Eurofighter Typhoon brings to Europe.”
“During this past seven days we have seen two of the four Eurofighter Core Nations sign new contract orders, with a clear desire to modernise their Air Forces and confirming the crucial role they attribute to our aircraft.”
Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman of Leonardo, said: “The level of technology delivered by the Eurofighter programme over years is unquestionable. Its success provides evidence of the outstanding synergies between industry and institutions.”
“We’re proud of what we’ve built together and we’re committed to providing our contribution to make sure Italy and all other partner nations continue to receive the level of capability they deserve.”
Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, commented: “This contract is a major milestone for the Eurofighter programme in Italy.”
“Since its inception, it has played a crucial role for national defence and security as well as in the development of advanced technologies and employment of thousands of skilled professionals. With this latest order the programme will deliver even greater capabilities and economic returns for many years.”
AVM Simon Ellard (ret.), General Manager, NETMA said: “The additional 24 aircraft for Italy is yet another proud moment for the Eurofighter Programme.”
“The order will enhance the Italian Air Force’s combat air capabilities and provide security for Italy, Europe and the NATO Alliance.”
“The order, which follows the contract for 25 additional jets for the Spanish Air Force signed on the 20th of December, demonstrates that the Eurofighter Typhoon continues to be the backbone of European air defence.”
The announcement follows the contract signing on 20 December for 25 additional Eurofighters for the Spanish Air Force.
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multirole fighter aircraft characterized by its twin-engine, supersonic capabilities, and canard delta wing design, developed through a European multinational collaboration. Initially conceived as an air-superiority fighter, the Typhoon is produced by a consortium comprising Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, which oversees the majority of the project via a joint holding entity known as Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH. The NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, which represents the interests of the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, is responsible for managing the project and serves as the primary customer.
The Typhoon is an exceptionally agile aircraft, engineered to excel as a dogfighter in combat scenarios. Subsequent production models have been progressively enhanced to perform air-to-surface strike operations and to accommodate a wider array of armaments and equipment, such as Storm Shadow, Brimstone, and Marte ER missiles. The Typhoon made its combat debut during the 2011 military intervention in Libya, where it was deployed by the UK’s Royal Air Force and the Italian Air Force, executing aerial reconnaissance and ground-strike missions. Additionally, this aircraft has assumed the primary role of air defense for the majority of its customer nations.
