In the case of the production of European Eurofighter fighter aircraft we can talk about a turning point. A decade ago, there was a significant reduction in employment at the German final assembly plant in Manching, Bavaria. Even closing this arms program was considered. Now there is no talk about it anymore.
It is now being talked about again on the expansion of production. There are new orders for combat fighters worth billions of euros. The first prototype of this plane took off over 30 years ago, but this model is expected to serve in the Air Force until 2060.
Germany has just signed a contract with Airbus for the delivery of 20 Eurofighters in the latest version, known as the so-called fifth tranche, worth EUR 3.75 billion (PLN 15,944 million). The Bundestag budget committee recently gave the green light to this. The new machines are to be delivered to the German Air Force in the years 2031-2034 and replace the obsolete Tornado fighters, primarily in the field of electronic warfare and reconnaissance.
Production is to be doubled
The new Eurofighters are equipped with a modern radar with electronic beam steering. Thanks to greater computing power, it is also planned to include artificial intelligence. For this purpose, the Arexis sensor system from the Swedish manufacturer Saab is to be used in cooperation with the artificial intelligence specialist Helsing.
For Airbus, the development of the Eurofighter is far from over. In Manching alone, 2,500 engineers are engaged in increasing the combat value of aircraft. Future models should also be able to control drones. According to Airbus, in addition to being armed with Meteor or Iris-T air-to-air missiles, arming with Taurus cruise missiles is also an option. — Over the last few years Eurofighter has gained incredible dynamics – says Andreas Hammer, head of the Airbus Eurofighter program.
The article continues below the video
Italy, Spain and now Germany have already ordered new Eurofighter aircraft. The latest types of sales campaigns are currently being conducted in countries such as Türkiye, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Production at the German final assembly plant, where 10 models were previously produced per year, is to be doubled.
An alternative to the American F-35
With the new order from the German Air Force, the total number of Eurofighter orders from Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar exceeded 740. According to Airbus data, this makes Eurofighter the most popular European combat aircraft program in production.
In the industry magazine “National Security Journal”, Eurofighter, thanks to continuous development and striving for European autonomy, is already referred to as a serious European alternative to the American one F-35 fighter.
A German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon lands at a military base in Laage, September 23, 2025.Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP / AFP
The German Air Force has also ordered 35 F-35s in the United States, mainly for transporting tactical American nuclear bombs.
The trade magazine admits that Eurofighter on paper is not a modern combat aircraft because, for example, it does not have stealth technology [która utrudnia jego wykrywalność]. However, this model stands out high maneuverability and versatility. Over time, avionics, radar, electronic warfare systems and weapons have improved significantly through upgrades and modifications.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
