EUROJET Turbo GmbH, the consortium responsible for the EJ200 engine that powers the Eurofighter Typhoon, has signed a new contract with the NATO Eurofighter & Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) to supply up to 54 EJ200 engines to the Italian Air Force. The order supports Italy’s replacement of its Eurofighter Tranche I aircraft and follows closely after Spain’s Halcón II acquisition, reflecting renewed momentum in the Eurofighter programme.
The contract was formally signed in Rome by Air Vice Marshal (ret.) Simon Ellard, NETMA’s General Manager, and Ralf Breiling, CEO of EUROJET. The EJ200 engine, known for its high performance, range, and operational efficiency, will be produced by EUROJET’s four consortium partners: Rolls-Royce (UK), MTU Aero Engines (Germany), ITP Aero (Spain), and Avio Aero (Italy). Final assembly will be conducted by Avio Aero, EUROJET’s Italian partner.
Ralf Breiling welcomed the agreement as a sign of continued confidence in both the EJ200 engine and the Eurofighter platform, highlighting the strengthened cooperation between European governments and defence industries. He emphasised the engine’s role in maintaining technological leadership and operational readiness for the Italian military.
AVM Simon Ellard added that the order marks a significant moment for the Eurofighter Programme, reaffirming the aircraft’s importance to European security and NATO’s defence posture. He praised the EJ200’s ongoing contribution to securing airspace over Italy and along NATO’s eastern flank.
Since entering production in 2003, over 1,400 EJ200 engines have been delivered, amassing more than 1.8 million flying hours across nine air force fleets globally.
