Defense & Military
Germany Approves Eurofighter Jets Boosting European Defense Autonomy
Germany commits €3.75 billion to 20 new Eurofighter jets, enhancing military modernization and European defense independence.
Germany’s recent approval by its budget committee of 20 additional Eurofighter jets for €3.75 billion ($4.36 billion) marks a pivotal moment in European defense policy. This move signals Berlin’s commitment to fortifying continental military autonomy while reinforcing its transatlantic partnerships. Far from being a routine aircraft purchase, the decision embodies Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s vision to transform Germany into Europe’s leading conventional military power by 2031. The package also includes a €1.2 billion upgrade for Germany’s existing Eurofighter fleet, showcasing a comprehensive approach to air force modernization and a prioritization of European manufacturers and technological sovereignty.
This procurement emerges amid Germany’s rise as the world’s fourth-largest military spender, with defense expenditures reaching new heights and reflecting an 89 percent increase since 2015. The decision is both a response to changing security environments and a reflection of broader European efforts to achieve strategic autonomy while upholding NATO commitments. It stands as a cornerstone in Germany’s most significant military transformation since reunification, enabled by constitutional changes that permitted the suspension of the debt brake and the creation of a €500 billion defense modernization fund.
The Eurofighter deal, involving key European and transatlantic defense firms, is emblematic of the continent’s push for industrial sovereignty and defense resilience. As Germany pursues ambitious modernization goals under the Merz government, this procurement is set to shape the country’s military posture and industrial landscape for decades.
The roots of Germany’s current military modernization can be traced back to the “Zeitenwende” (watershed moment) announced by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz in February 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This policy pivot marked a dramatic departure from decades of restrained military spending and established Germany’s first-ever National Security Strategy. Under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the transformation has accelerated, with the government pledging to build the strongest conventional army in Europe and to increase defense-related spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has described this evolution as moving toward “Kriegstüchtigkeit” (war readiness), signifying a profound shift in Germany’s security identity. The country is transitioning from relying on the U.S. nuclear umbrella to assuming a leadership role within Europe and NATO. This cultural transformation is evident in public recruitment campaigns for armed and intelligence services and a growing emphasis on emerging military technologies.
Germany’s military capabilities had suffered from years of underinvestment, with land forces at roughly 50 percent readiness and significant maintenance backlogs. The Bundeswehr faces a personnel shortfall of about 20,000 troops, complicated by new NATO force commitments and ambitious plans to field ten brigades by 2030. The constitutional amendments that enabled the €500 billion “Sondervermögen” (special fund) for defense have allowed the government to bypass the traditional debt brake, providing the financial muscle needed for this unprecedented transformation.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a hallmark of European defense collaboration, developed by a consortium including the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Since its inception in the 1980s, the program has fostered an ecosystem of over 400 companies, supporting nearly 100,000 jobs annually and contributing tens of billions of euros to European GDP.
Designed as a multirole, air-superiority fighter, the Typhoon incorporates advanced technologies such as the Captor-E AESA radar, PIRATE infrared tracking, and the Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS). These features ensure the aircraft remains competitive against modern threats and interoperable within NATO frameworks. Germany has been a core partner in the Eurofighter project, operating 143 jets with additional orders in the pipeline. The current approval for 20 new Tranche 5 Eurofighters, scheduled for delivery between 2031 and 2034, will introduce the most advanced variants yet. This decision underscores Berlin’s commitment to European industrial sovereignty, even as it continues to operate American F-35s for NATO nuclear sharing missions.
“New Eurofighter Typhoon orders are essential to sustain and retain defence industry production assets in Europe. This will guarantee national and European technological independence, and industrial knowhow resilience, to the core nations over a long period.” — Giancarlo Mezzanatto, Eurofighter Typhoon CEO
The Eurofighter procurement is part of a broader German defense modernization plan that includes more than €7 billion in approved orders for 2024, spanning naval assets and munitions. This comprehensive approach reflects Germany’s recognition that effective defense requires integration across all domains, air, land, sea, cyber, and space.
Current NATO planning, informed by war games and readiness assessments, has highlighted the need for Germany to rapidly enhance its military capabilities. As a central logistics and mobility hub for NATO, Germany’s air power is crucial for alliance operations, particularly in reinforcing eastern members.
The decision to prioritize European manufacturers also addresses concerns about supply chain security and technological independence. The Eurofighter program brings together BAE Systems, Airbus, Leonardo, Saab, and Northrop Grumman, ensuring that Germany’s defense investments support domestic and European industry.
Germany’s surge in defense spending has elevated it to the top tier of global military spenders, with a reported $88.5 billion in 2024. This leap, an 89 percent increase since 2015, positions Germany as the largest defense spender in Central and Western Europe and reflects its commitment to meeting and exceeding NATO’s 2 percent of GDP target.
The economic impact of this expansion is significant. The Eurofighter program alone supports over 98,000 jobs annually and is projected to add up to €90 billion to GDP under optimistic export scenarios. Even the base scenario, limited to current German and Spanish orders, is expected to generate €58 billion in GDP and €14 billion in tax revenues over the next decade.
Beyond traditional defense contractors, Germany’s investment is fueling growth in defense-tech startups and dual-use technologies. Companies specializing in unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics, and cyber defense are finding new opportunities, contributing to both national security and economic competitiveness. The defense sector’s expansion also supports Germany’s role as a key supplier of military aid to Ukraine, further increasing demand for domestic production.
“Europe is entering a period of high and increasing military spending, which is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.” — Lorenzo Scarazzato, SIPRI
The Eurofighter procurement is a testament to Europe’s ongoing pursuit of strategic autonomy. Alongside EU initiatives like the SAFE program and Readiness 2030, Germany is at the forefront of efforts to strengthen continental defense capabilities while maintaining close ties with the United States. Germany’s dual-track approach, investing in both European (Eurofighter) and American (F-35) aircraft, reflects practical considerations. While the Eurofighter strengthens industrial sovereignty, the F-35 is necessary for NATO nuclear missions due to its certification for the B61 bomb, a capability not present in European platforms.
European defense cooperation is marked by both collaboration and competition. The development of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) with France and Spain faces challenges, while the UK and Italy are pursuing the Tempest/GCAP program with Japan. Recent agreements to export Eurofighters to Turkey, despite political sensitivities, demonstrate the complex balancing act required in European defense.
Experts have highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of Germany’s military transformation. While increased funding and procurement are necessary, they are not sufficient. Manpower shortfalls, procurement reform, and innovation remain critical hurdles. For example, Germany’s plan to double its military personnel by 2030 will require significant recruitment and training efforts.
Industry leaders stress that continued investment in programs like Eurofighter is vital for maintaining Europe’s technological edge and industrial base. At the same time, the integration of advanced systems and the development of new capabilities, such as unmanned and cyber systems, will define the Bundeswehr’s effectiveness in future conflicts.
The geopolitical environment remains fluid, with tensions between the U.S. and Europe on burden-sharing and technology access. Germany’s commitment to both European and transatlantic defense partnerships will shape its strategic choices in the years ahead.
“Money and matériel alone don’t guarantee security. Germany must address manpower, procurement reform, and defense innovation to succeed.” — Roderick Kefferpütz, Atlantic Council
Germany’s decision to procure 20 additional Eurofighter jets for €3.75 billion is a defining moment in its ongoing military transformation. The move underscores a strategic shift toward European defense independence, industrial sovereignty, and a more assertive security role within NATO and the EU. By investing in both the modernization of its air force and the broader defense ecosystem, Germany is laying the groundwork for a new era of continental security leadership.
The success of this transformation will hinge on Germany’s ability to address longstanding challenges in personnel, procurement, and innovation. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, Germany’s choices will have far-reaching implications for European security, industrial competitiveness, and the future of transatlantic cooperation.
Q: Why did Germany choose to purchase more Eurofighters instead of expanding its F-35 fleet? Q: What are the economic benefits of the Eurofighter program for Germany? Q: How does this procurement fit into Germany’s broader defense strategy? Q: What challenges remain for Germany’s military transformation? Q: Will Germany’s defense spending continue to rise? Sources: Reuters
Germany Approves €3.75 Billion Eurofighter Procurement: A Strategic Shift Toward European Defense Independence
The German Defense Transformation: From Zeitenwende to Kriegstüchtigkeit
The Eurofighter Program: European Collaboration and Industrial Sovereignty
Strategic Context and Military Modernization Plans
Economic and Industrial Implications of German Defense Expansion
European Defense Cooperation and Autonomy
Expert Analysis and Strategic Assessment
Conclusion
FAQ
A: Germany is balancing European industrial sovereignty with operational requirements. The Eurofighter supports domestic and European industry, while the F-35 is necessary for NATO nuclear missions due to its certification for the B61 bomb.
A: The program supports tens of thousands of jobs, contributes billions to GDP, and strengthens the domestic defense industry, with additional benefits from exports and technological innovation.
A: The Eurofighter purchase is part of a comprehensive modernization plan aimed at building the strongest conventional army in Europe, enhancing readiness, and supporting NATO commitments.
A: Key challenges include personnel recruitment, procurement reform, and the integration of new technologies such as unmanned systems and cyber capabilities.
A: Current government policy targets increasing defense-related spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035, suggesting continued growth in the years ahead.
Photo Credit: Eurofighter Typhoon
Defense & Military
Embraer and Saab Unveil First Gripen E Fighter Produced in Brazil
Embraer and Saab unveiled the first Gripen E fighter jet assembled in Brazil, enhancing local defense manufacturing and fulfilling a 2014 contract.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
On March 25, 2026, Embraer, Saab, and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) marked a historic milestone in Latin American aerospace by unveiling the first Gripen E fighter jet manufactured on Brazilian soil. The rollout ceremony took place at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, officially introducing the first supersonic fighter aircraft ever produced in the country.
According to the official press release, the event drew high-profile attendees, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Swedish Ambassador Karin Wallensteen, and top executives from both Embraer and Saab. The presentation of the aircraft highlights a successful technology transfer program and elevates Brazil into a select group of nations capable of manufacturing advanced combat aircraft.
The newly unveiled Gripen E is the result of a deeply integrated Brazilian and international supply chain. Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility handles the final assembly, utilizing aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s plant in São Bernardo do Campo. According to Embraer, 14 additional aircraft will be built using this exact production model under the current FAB contract.
Before being handed over to the customer, the newly assembled fighter will undergo rigorous functional and production flight testing. Once cleared, it will join the First Defense Group (1st GDA) stationed at the Anápolis Air Force Base.
Company leadership emphasized the broader implications of the rollout. In the press release, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, highlighted the collaborative effort:
“…it symbolizes the strength of a partnership built on trust, long‑term vision, and true cooperation.”
The foundation for this manufacturing achievement was laid in 2014 when the Brazilian government signed a comprehensive contract with Saab. The agreement covers the development and production of 36 Gripen fighters, specifically 28 single-seat Gripen E models and eight two-seat Gripen F variants.
Deliveries from Sweden began in 2020, and the press release notes that at least 10 aircraft have already been handed over to the Brazilian Air Force. The Gripen fleet is already active; since February, the fighters have been executing Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions from the Anápolis Air Force Base to safeguard the airspace over Brazil’s federal district. Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, noted the strategic importance of the local production capability, stating in the release:
“…developing, within Brazil, the capability to produce a high-tech supersonic fighter aircraft – fully capable of executing air superiority missions…”
We view the successful rollout of a domestically assembled Gripen E as a transformative moment for Embraer and the Brazilian defense sector. By proving it can assemble and integrate a sophisticated, network-centric supersonic fighter, Embraer significantly enhances its high-end military manufacturing portfolio. This capability not only fulfills Brazil’s immediate national security and airspace defense needs but also positions the Gavião Peixoto facility as a potential regional export and maintenance hub for South America. As neighboring countries evaluate their aging fighter fleets, we believe Brazil’s proven production line could offer Saab a strategic foothold for future Latin American sales.
Where was the first Brazilian-made Gripen E produced? How many Gripen fighters did Brazil order? How many more Gripens will be built in Brazil?
Production and Strategic Partnership
Details of the Gavião Peixoto Facility
Contract History and Operational Status
The 2014 Agreement
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The aircraft was assembled at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, using components including aerostructures from Saab’s facility in São Bernardo do Campo.
Under a 2014 contract, the Brazilian government ordered 36 Gripen fighters, comprising 28 single-seat Gripen E jets and 8 two-seat Gripen F jets.
According to the Embraer press release, 14 additional aircraft will be produced at the Gavião Peixoto facility under the current contract.
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Japan received three F-35B fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base, advancing its goal to deploy eight F-35Bs by fiscal year 2025 end.
In late March 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) received three additional F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. According to social media account @thef35 on X, the delivery highlights that procurement
“momentum continues” for the Japanese defense forces.
This latest arrival is a critical milestone. Based on defense research data, the delivery keeps Japan’s Ministry of Defense on track to meet its goal of deploying an initial batch of eight F-35Bs by the end of fiscal year 2025, which concludes on March 31, 2026. Japan received its first three F-35Bs on August 7, 2025, ferried by U.S. pilots, and officially activated the fleet for frontline service during a ceremony on February 7, 2026.
The integration of the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft represents a historic shift in Japan’s defense posture. Defense reports indicate Japan plans to acquire 147 F-35s in total, 105 conventional F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, making it the largest operator of the fifth-generation fighter outside the United States.
While the F-35Bs are operated by the JASDF, defense analysts note their primary strategic value lies in their integration with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
To accommodate the STOVL aircraft, Japan has been modifying its two largest warships, the Izumo-class helicopter destroyers JS Izumo and JS Kaga. According to defense research, these modifications include reshaping the bows into a rectangular configuration and applying heat-resistant deck coatings capable of withstanding the F-35B’s powerful lift fan.
These upgrades were put to the test recently. In October 2024, a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps F-35B successfully conducted the first landing and takeoff trials on the modified JS Kaga off the coast of San Diego, California. This milestone effectively proved the vessel’s capability to operate as a light aircraft carrier, returning fixed-wing carrier aviation to the Japanese fleet for the first time since World War II.
Japan’s acquisition of the F-35B is widely viewed by defense researchers as a direct response to a tightening regional security environment, particularly the rapid military modernization and maritime maneuvers of China in the East and South China Seas. Nyutabaru Air Base is strategically located on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. Defense reports highlight that this positions the F-35B fleet in close proximity to the Nansei Islands chain, which stretches toward Taiwan and includes the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands. The STOVL capability allows Japan to project air power from the sea and operate from shorter, austere runways on remote islands.
Under its post-WWII pacifist constitution, Japan has historically maintained a strictly defensive military posture. The deployment of carrier-capable stealth fighters represents a shift toward what defense analysts term “active deterrence.” To navigate political sensitivities regarding offensive capabilities, the Japanese government officially classifies the Izumo and Kaga as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Despite the strategic momentum, the domestic rollout of the F-35B fleet has faced logistical and political hurdles.
According to defense research data, Japan is constructing a dedicated runway and training facility on the uninhabited island of Mageshima, located roughly 160 kilometers south of Nyutabaru. This facility is intended for F-35B Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) and vertical landing drills.
However, the Mageshima project has been delayed until approximately 2029 or 2030. Consequently, routine vertical landing training must be conducted at Nyutabaru Airports in the interim. This temporary arrangement has triggered protests and concerns from local residents in Miyazaki Prefecture regarding severe aircraft noise pollution.
We view the successful delivery of these F-35Bs as more than just a national defense upgrade for Japan; it is a foundational step for allied interoperability in the Indo-Pacific. By operating the F-35B from modified destroyers, Japan ensures seamless integration with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces, as well as other allied operators like the United Kingdom and Italy. This opens the door for future cross-decking operations, where allied jets can land on Japanese ships and vice versa, creating a highly flexible, distributed maritime strike capability that complicates adversary planning in the region.
According to defense procurement data, Japan plans to acquire a total of 147 F-35 military-aircraft, consisting of 105 F-35A conventional takeoff variants and 42 F-35B STOVL variants.
The F-35B features Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships, light aircraft carriers, and short or austere runways. To align with its post-WWII pacifist constitution, which limits offensive military capabilities, Japan officially classifies the modified Izumo-class vessels as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Sources: @thef35, Defense Research Report
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Latest Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Strategic Shift: The “Lightning Carriers”
Vessel Modifications and Sea Trials
Geopolitical Drivers and Regional Defense
Defending the Nansei Islands
Domestic Challenges and Infrastructure
Local Impact at Nyutabaru
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many F-35s is Japan buying?
What makes the F-35B different?
Why are Japan’s carrier-capable ships called destroyers?
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
GKN Aerospace Delivers First Upgraded RM12 Engine to Swedish Armed Forces
GKN Aerospace delivers the first upgraded RM12 engine under a £32 million programme enhancing Sweden’s Gripen C/D fighter fleet performance and endurance.
This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace.
GKN Aerospace has officially delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a critical milestone in the RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme. The delivery is part of a broader initiative to modernize the propulsion systems of Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter fleet.
According to a company press release, the RM12EP programme is valued at approximately £32 million (SEK 400 million). The initiative focuses on increasing engine thrust, extending operational endurance, and improving overall efficiency to ensure the legacy fighter aircraft remain highly capable in modern operational environments.
The successful handover of the first enhanced engine underscores GKN Aerospace’s nearly century-long partnership with the Swedish Air Force. As the type certificate holder for the RM12 engine, the company continues to play a central role in maintaining Sweden’s aerial defense readiness.
The RM12EP upgrade introduces significant technical improvements to the existing powerplants. In its official statement, GKN Aerospace noted that the enhancements include the installation of improved turbine hardware alongside updated engine control software. These modifications are specifically designed to boost engine thrust and extend the operating time of the engines, while simultaneously reducing life cycle costs for the Swedish Armed Forces.
The RM12EP programme was originally launched in 2019. It represents a long-term strategic effort led by GKN Aerospace to ensure that the Gripen C/D remains a cost-efficient and highly capable platform, even as newer generations of fighter aircraft enter service.
All upgrade work for the RM12 engines is being conducted at GKN Aerospace’s specialized facility in Trollhättan, Sweden. The company maintains comprehensive responsibility for the development, manufacturing, system support, and maintenance of both the RM12 engine, which powers the Gripen C/D, and the newer RM16 engine, which is utilized in the advanced Gripen E/F models.
The delivery of the first upgraded unit was achieved through extensive cross-functional collaboration. GKN Aerospace highlighted that the milestone involved coordination across engineering, production, quality assurance, procurement, and logistics departments. Furthermore, the project relies on key partnerships with industry leaders GE and Saab. Additional upgraded engines are scheduled to be delivered continuously to the Swedish Armed Forces in accordance with the programme’s planned timeline. “This first upgraded engine delivery represents an important step forward in enhancing the performance and endurance of the Gripen system. As type certificate holder for the Gripen C/D engine and with a partnership with the Swedish Air Force that spans nearly a century, we are proud to continue supporting Sweden’s operational capability and future readiness.”
We note that the delivery of the first upgraded RM12 engine highlights a broader trend in global defense procurement: the necessity of extending the operational lifespan of proven legacy platforms. While the Swedish Air Force is actively transitioning to the next-generation Gripen E/F, maintaining a robust and capable fleet of Gripen C/D aircraft remains essential for national security and regional stability.
By investing £32 million into the RM12EP programme, Sweden is ensuring a cost-effective bridge between aircraft generations. The enhancements to thrust and endurance not only improve the tactical capabilities of the Gripen C/D but also optimize maintenance schedules and reduce long-term operational costs. This dual-track approach, upgrading existing assets while procuring new ones, allows the Swedish Armed Forces to maintain a high state of readiness without compromising on technological advancement.
Furthermore, keeping the upgrade work localized at the Trollhättan facility secures domestic aerospace expertise and supply chain resilience. As geopolitical tensions in Europe remain a focal point for defense ministries, the ability to independently maintain and upgrade critical defense infrastructure is a significant strategic advantage for Sweden.
The RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme is an upgrade initiative led by GKN Aerospace for the Swedish Armed Forces. Launched in 2019, it aims to improve the thrust, endurance, and efficiency of the RM12 engines powering the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft.
According to GKN Aerospace, the programme is valued at approximately £32 million, which equates to SEK 400 million.
All development, manufacturing, and maintenance work for the RM12 engine upgrades is carried out at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.
The RM12EP programme involves strong collaboration between GKN Aerospace and key industry partners, including GE and Saab.
The RM12EP Upgrade Programme
Technical Enhancements
Production and Partnerships
Strategic Implications for the Swedish Air Force
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RM12EP programme?
How much is the RM12EP programme worth?
Where is the upgrade work being performed?
Who are the key partners in this programme?
Sources
Photo Credit: GKN Aerospace
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