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 Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries]()
Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries
The 10 helicopters delivered throughout 2024 make up part of a larger contract for 32 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters for the country.
-
![Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France]()
Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France
The Airbus rotorcraft will replace the French Air Force’s Puma helicopters, following the initial contract signing in 2021.
-
![Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays]()
Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays
According to local media sources, thousands of drones destined for Ukraine are currently stuck in warehouses due to bureaucratic delays.
-
![GCAP needs to “avoid mistakes” of previous programmes to meet 2035 date, states UK Defence Committee]()
GCAP needs to “avoid mistakes” of previous programmes to meet 2035 date, states UK Defence Committee
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) report highlighted issues with opening the programme to other international partners, as well as notable gaps in future training requirement for the sixth-generation aircraft.
