Germany signs contract for 20 new “Tranche 5” Eurofighters

Brussels – Germany today formalised the order for 20 new “Tranche 5” Eurofighters, with the signing of the contract between the top management of Eurofighter GmbH and NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) at the Airbus factory in Manching, Bavaria. 

The new aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery between 2031 and 2034, will replace part of the Luftwaffe’s Panavia Tornado fleet, which is close to retirement. This is the first order for the “Tranche 5”, the latest version of the European fighter, which will be produced for Germany by Airbus Defence and Space, and follows that of the 38 Eurofighters already purchased by Berlin as part of the “Quadriga” programme.

“This order is great news for the Eurofighter programme and for all our industrial partners, as the programme approaches the important milestone of one million flight hours. The real news today, however, is the confirmation of Germany’s long-term commitment to European autonomy in the air domain,” said Jorge Tamarit-Degenhardt, Chief Executive of Eurofighter. “The order ensures manufacturing continuity, preserves strategic competencies along the supply chain and strengthens Europe’s ability to defend itself in the decades to come. With an operational life extending beyond 2060, the new generation of Eurofighters will be fully integrated into the European defence architecture of the future, contributing to the collective security of the continent.” 

The new aircraft will be equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, including the new E-scan electronic radar. Airbus will also equip the German Eurofighters—both new and existing—with electronic warfare capabilities, thanks to the integration of the Saab Arexis system. These important technological upgrades will further enhance the already extensive operational capabilities of the German Air Force’s Eurofighters.
The German order comes after recent orders signed at the end of 2024 by Spain (25 aircraft) and Italy (24 aircraft), confirming Europe’s growing confidence in the operational capabilities of the Typhoon aircraft and the future of the Eurofighter programme, to date the continent’s largest defence collaboration and a strategic pillar for the consolidation and development of Europe’s industrial and technological base. 

Leonardo accounts for about 36 per cent of the value of the entire programme with a key role in the aeronautics and electronics component. In terms of employment, the programme involves about 100,000 people in the four partner nations, including 20,000 in Italy (covering direct, indirect, and induced employment). Over 400 suppliers work for the Typhoon, 200 of which are Italian.