Italy orders up to 24 Eurofighter Typhoon jets
The order for the Italian Air Force signals that the jet is “the backbone” of European air defence, officials from NETMA have said. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Bernardo Fernandez Copado)
The Tranche 4 deliveries will be expected to continue until 2030.
Eurofighter and NETMA (the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) has signed a contract for up to 24 Eurofighter Typhoons for the Italian Air Force.
The new aircraft will replace the Italian Tranche 1 versions of the Typhoon that are currently in service.
Giancarlo Mezzanatto, chief executive of Eurofighter, said: “Italy’s decision to purchase an additional 24 jets is, of course, fantastic news for our programme, further demonstrating the strength and importance that Eurofighter Typhoon brings to Europe.
Related Articles
Spain boosts air power with 25 new Eurofighter jets under Halcon II programme
“During this past seven days we have seen two of the four Eurofighter Core Nations sign new contract orders, with a clear desire to modernise their Air Forces and confirming the crucial role they attribute to our aircraft.”
AVM Simon Ellard (ret.), general manager of NETMA, added: “The additional 24 aircraft for Italy is yet another proud moment for the Eurofighter Programme.
“The order will enhance the Italian Air Force’s combat air capabilities and provide security for Italy, Europe and the NATO Alliance.”
The announcement follows on from the contract signing for Spain’s Halcon II programme for 25 Typhoon jets, making all core Eurofighter nations operators of the Tranche 4 model.
While the exact configuration of the jet is unknown, they will be fitted with “enhanced weapon systems, capable of operating Brimstone III and Meteor, new sensors and improved connectivity” according to Leonardo – as with the new Halcon II Spanish order.
The last contract negotiation left – now that Spain and Italy’s have both concluded – is with Germany’s negotiations for 20 aircraft, which are still reportedly ongoing. Intent to purchase more of the aircraft was declared by Germany at the ILA Air Show in June 2024.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Additional Eurofighter Procurement [Italy]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms]()
India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms
India has issued urgent RFIs for more than 270 reconnaissance, surveillance and utility helicopters across its services, signalling a systemic overhaul of rotary-wing capabilities with a renewed emphasis on indigenous production and technology transfer.
-
![US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026]()
US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026
The US Department of Defence (DoD) previously selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to develop production-representative prototypes under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in FY2026.
-
![DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms]()
DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms
The Nimbrix missile has been developed and tested over the last year and is Saab’s latest cost-effective answer to help armed forces counteract escalating numbers of uncrewed aerial threats on the battlefield.
-
![Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?]()
Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?
While motherships offer multiple operational advantages, the changes in the character of warfare may bring new tactics to the battlefield, reducing their role.
