Germany is enhancing its defence power with the purchase of 20 new Eurofighter jets. Under the latest contract, Airbus will assemble the multi-role aircraft at its Manching facility near Munich. The first delivery to the German Air Force is planned for 2031, with the final aircraft arriving by 2034.
Each jet will include state-of-the-art sensors, such as the new E-Scan radar. At the same time, Airbus will upgrade the fleet’s electronic warfare systems by integrating the Arexis suite from Sweden’s Saab into both existing and new aircraft. These enhancements will further expand the operational versatility of Germany’s Eurofighter fleet.
The Eurofighter programme, shared by Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, is Europe’s largest defence initiative. It not only guarantees security but also supports economic growth and employment. The project sustains more than 100,000 jobs across Europe, including 25,000 in Germany. Over 120 German suppliers contribute to the production effort.
With this latest order, nine countries have now purchased over 740 Eurofighters, including Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar. This makes it the most successful European fighter jet still in active production.
Looking ahead, the Eurofighter will remain in service with the German Air Force until at least the 2060s. From 2040, it will operate as part of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), connected with both crewed and uncrewed aircraft. This advanced integration will help pilots perform complex missions more effectively, reinforcing Europe’s defence network for decades to come.
