Spain places order for 20 new Eurofighter Typhoons from BAE Systems

Published by

Stephen Emerson

BAE Systems wins Typhoon order

BAE Systems has secured a major new order by Spain to expand its frontline fleet with 20 new Eurofighter Typhoons.

The order will see the Eurofighter consortium deliver aircraft for the Spanish Air Force equipped with an advanced new electronically-scanning radar.

BAE Systems, which has a base in Portsmouth and throughout the UK, will carry out the work at its facilities in Lancashire.

The announcement made at the ILA Berlin International Air Show today will see the number of Typhoons in Europe increase to 545 aircraft, delivered or on order.

BAE Systems leads the overall design, development, manufacture, upgrade and support for Typhoon aircraft in the UK.

BAE Systems is responsible for manufacturing more than a third of components for every Spanish aircraft, including the aircraft’s front fuselage and tail, under a contract worth in excess of £500m.

Andrea Thompson, managing director – Europe & International for BAE Systems’ Air sector, and chair of the Eurofighter Supervisory Board, said: "The Spanish Government’s commitment to purchasing additional Typhoons reinforces its position as one of the world’s most successful combat military aircraft.

"Every day we are seeing the important role which it plays in delivering air security in the skies over Europe and this investment only strengthens the international partnership which Eurofighter underpins.

"The fact that an existing Typhoon operator is committing to buying additional aircraft only reinforces their confidence in the aircraft and its performance.

"Our people will now work alongside our Eurofighter partners to ensure we provide the Spanish Air Force with the aircraft it needs to secure its skies for decades to come."

More than 5,000 BAE Systems employees directly support the Typhoon programme in the UK, supporting more than 10,000 jobs in the UK economy as a whole.

The order from Spain maintains continuity of Typhoon production in the UK beyond the middle of the decade.

Final assembly of the aircraft for Spain will be undertaken by Airbus in Getafe, Spain, with deliveries scheduled to commence from 2025. The Typhoon aircraft will replace Spain’s ageing F-18 Hornet aircraft based at Gando Air Base in the Canary Islands.

Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.