Germany places order for 20 additional European Eurofighter aircraft

Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Germany has initiated a historic turning point in its defense policy. Berlin has set up a 100 billion euro fund to modernize the German army, after several decades of underinvestment. The entire European industry benefits from it, and Airbus is one of the three European manufacturers of this aircraft, with the British BAe Systems and the Italian Leonardo.

The amount of the order is not communicated, but it is estimated at around four billion euros. This new order for 20 European combat aircraft by Germany was eagerly awaited by manufacturers. It follows the previous order of 38 Eurofighters purchased by Germany in 2020, delivery of which is planned between 2025 and 2030. The Eurofighter should also benefit from an export campaign to Saudi Arabia. Riyadh had placed a giant pre-order of around fifty devices a few years ago, but the operation was blocked by the German government in 2018, with the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This embargo on military exports ended in December 2023.

A system called SCAF (Future Air Combat System) is the result of a collaboration between France, Germany and Spain. This fairly revolutionary air defense system plans to succeed not only the Eurofighter but also the iconic Rafale from French company Dassault.

But without a new order for the current European combat aircraft, everyone feared a stall on the technological level to manufacture future SCAF equipment. We also feared for jobs. This order of 20 Eurofighters by Berlin therefore reassures the troops, even if Germany continues to buy American F-35s to transport atomic missiles, compatible with United States standards. A condition imposed by Washington within the framework of NATO, to participate in the military defense of Europe.