Four European countries to buy Eurofighter jets worth EUR 9 billion

Izabela Sîrbu

NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency), Eurofighter GmbH and EUROJET Turbo GmbH on Friday signed a contract worth EUR 9 billion, to manufacture 112 jets, including 241 engines, for the four partner nations involved in the program, namely Germany, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom.

As a result, "Eurofighter Typhoon" will become the best selling defense jet on the market, with 559 units under construction to be sold, including 15 for Austria and 72 for Saudi Arabia.

Enzo Casolini, CEO of Eurofighter GmbH, said: "This is a major accomplishment, for the Eurofighter program, which reaffirms the importance and significance of the European defense industry. The agreement with NETMA and the other four partner nations involved in the program will provide the Air Forces the best system available for meeting their air-to-air and air-to-surface requirements".

On the other hand, Antonino Altorio, General Manager of NETMA, considers that the performances of the jet in the third series include those of the jets in the previous series and will allow the air forces to provide primary air defense for NATO missions, as well as maintain superiority in various war areas, and if needed, offer support in air-to-surface missions.

"This contract sets the foundation for later logistic support contracts, which are essential for the maintenance of the fleet, together with the significant reduction of costs related to support during the operation period", he said.

The Romanian government is also looking to acquire 48 jet fighters, with "Eurofighter Typhoon" being one of the suppliers under consideration.