A major new order by Spain for 20 new Eurofighter Typhoons underlines the importance of the aircraft’s role as the backbone of European defence. The announcement made at the ILA Berlin International Air Show last week will see the number of Typhoons in Europe increase to 545 aircraft — delivered or on order.

The latest order will see the Eurofighter consortium deliver aircraft for the Spanish Air Force equipped with an advanced new electronically-scanning radar, ensuring it is ready to be part of the future battlespace into the 2060s and beyond.

BAE Systems leads the overall design, development, manufacture, upgrade and support for Typhoon aircraft in the UK and the company 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 £500 million.

Andrea Thompson, managing director (Europe and 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 its 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.”

The announcement by Spain follows an order for 38 new Typhoons for Germany in November 2020. Work is now underway on production of components for these aircraft at BAE Systems’ facilities in Samlesbury and Warton, Lancashire, with engineering teams supporting work on advanced new radar and sensors.

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.