Germany Approves $4.4 Billion Eurofighter Typhoon Deal, Strengthening Future Air Combat Capabilities

Germany’s parliamentary budget committee has approved one of its largest defense procurements in recent years: the acquisition of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 5 aircraft for €3.75 billion ($4.36 billion).

Deliveries are scheduled between 2031 and 2034, marking a major milestone in Berlin’s long-term effort to replace its aging Tornado ECR fleet and enhance the Luftwaffe’s electronic warfare and reconnaissance capabilities.

“The Eurofighter remains the backbone of Germany’s combat air fleet,” the German Ministry of Defense said in a statement. “The procurement of Tranche 5 aircraft will transfer the capabilities of the Tornado ECR into a modern, future-proof platform that enables Germany to continue fulfilling its NATO commitments.”

Technological Leap: E-Scan Radar and AREXIS EW Suite

The Tranche 5 configuration represents a major step forward in Europe’s air combat capability. Each aircraft will feature a new active electronically scanned array (AESA or E-Scan) radar, and will be integrated with Saab’s AREXIS electronic warfare and self-protection system — the same system used on Sweden’s Gripen E/F jets.

These upgrades will give Germany a next-generation electronic attack and suppression-of-enemy-air-defenses (SEAD) capability, positioning the Eurofighter at the forefront of NATO’s air combat and electronic warfare forces.

The budget committee also approved €412 million for Eurofighter simulators and pilot training systems, alongside a €1.13 billion modernization package for the existing fleet, to expand its electronic warfare potential by 2033.

Budget and Strategic Context

Unlike several recent procurements financed through Germany’s €100 billion special defense fund, this new Eurofighter order will be funded from the regular defense budget.
The Typhoon deal is part of a broader €7+ billion package covering 14 defense projects approved this week, all exceeding the €25 million threshold for parliamentary review.

Other approved programs include:

• Boxer armored vehicles for training and medical missions,
• light, air-droppable combat vehicles,
• a new modular pontoon bridge system, and
• minehunting sonar systems for the navy’s Class 332 vessels.

The decisions reflect Germany’s ambition to rebuild the Bundeswehr into Europe’s most capable conventional force, improving readiness, deterrence, and interoperability across NATO.

Industrial and European Impact

The Eurofighter consortium — composed of Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain — represents one of Europe’s most successful defense collaborations.
The new Tranche 5 order will strengthen Europe’s aerospace industrial base, securing thousands of high-skill jobs and reinforcing capabilities in avionics, electronic warfare, and radar technology.

It also underscores the strategic importance of maintaining European technological sovereignty and industrial resilience in the face of rising global defense competition.

At a Glance

Photo Credit: Airbus
Edited: Katerina Urbanova