Defense & Military
Germany Orders 20 New Eurofighter Jets to Modernize Air Defense
Germany secures 20 Eurofighter jets with advanced radar and EW systems to replace Tornado fleet, boosting NATO and European defense industry.
In a significant move to enhance its defensive posture and reaffirm its commitment to collective security, Germany has finalized an order for 20 new Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. The contracts, confirmed on October 15, 2025, underscores a strategic investment in modernizing the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and strengthening its role within the NATO alliance. This procurement is not merely a hardware upgrade; it represents a crucial step in bridging the technological gap between current-generation fighters and the future of aerial combat, ensuring Germany remains at the forefront of European air power for decades to come.
The decision comes at a time of evolving geopolitical landscapes, where maintaining a credible and technologically advanced military is paramount. The new Eurofighters, designated as Tranche 5, are slated to replace a portion of Germany’s aging Panavia Tornado fleet, a workhorse of the Luftwaffe for over four decades. By investing in the Eurofighter platform, Germany is also signaling its dedication to the European defense industry. The program is a cornerstone of continental collaboration, involving the UK, Italy, and Spain, and this order reinforces its continued strategic and economic importance across the continent.
The 20 new Eurofighters are set to be more than just replacements; they represent a substantial technological leap for the Luftwaffe. Manufactured by Airbus at its final assembly line in Manching, Germany, these aircraft will be equipped with the latest advancements in avionics and sensor technology. The integration of state-of-the-art systems is designed to ensure the Eurofighter remains a formidable multi-role combat aircraft, capable of excelling in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
A centerpiece of this upgrade is the new E-Scan (Electronically Scanned Array) radar. This advanced radar-systems provides pilots with superior situational awareness, allowing for simultaneous tracking of multiple targets with greater precision and resistance to jamming. It marks a significant improvement over previous mechanically scanned radars, enhancing the aircraft’s effectiveness in complex and contested airspace. The ability to detect and engage threats from a greater distance gives the Luftwaffe a critical edge in maintaining air superiority.
In addition to the new radar, Airbus will integrate the Arexis sensor suite, an advanced electronic warfare (EW) system developed by Sweden’s Saab. This upgrade will be applied to both the newly built aircraft and retrofitted onto existing Eurofighters in the German fleet. The Arexis suite provides enhanced capabilities to detect, locate, and counter sophisticated enemy air defense systems. This focus on electronic warfare is critical in modern combat scenarios, where the ability to operate in heavily defended environments can determine the outcome of a mission.
The German Ministry of Defense has indicated that these new jets will specifically replace the Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance) variant. This suggests the Tranche 5 Eurofighters will be delivered with these advanced EW capabilities fully integrated from the factory, providing a seamless transition and a significant boost to Germany’s electronic attack and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) capabilities.
“This new order is further proof of the Eurofighter’s importance to the German Air Force and the strategic role it plays in our country’s air defence and NATO capabilities.”, Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.
The Eurofighter is not just a platform for the present; it is a critical component of Europe’s future defense strategy. The aircraft is planned to remain in service with the German Air Force until the 2060s, serving as an essential technological and operational bridge to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). FCAS is a next-generation system-of-systems that will include a new fighter jet, uncrewed remote carriers, and a combat cloud network, expected to be operational from 2040.
By continuing to evolve the Eurofighter with cutting-edge technology, Germany and its European partners ensure that their air forces can maintain interoperability and a high level of readiness during the transition to FCAS. The new Eurofighters will be designed to operate seamlessly within this future networked environment, collaborating with both crewed and uncrewed assets. This forward-looking approach ensures that the significant investment in the Eurofighter program will continue to pay dividends for decades to come. This order follows a previous procurement of 38 Eurofighters under “Project Quadriga,” demonstrating a sustained commitment to the platform. With this new contract, the total number of Eurofighters ordered by nine nations exceeds 740, cementing its status as the most successful European fighter jet program currently in production.
Beyond its strategic military value, the Eurofighter program is a powerful engine for economic growth and industrial collaboration across Europe. The €3.75 billion contract for 20 new aircraft provides a significant boost to the German and European defense industrial base, securing high-skilled jobs and fostering innovation. The final assembly will take place in Manching, near Munich, ensuring the production line remains active until at least 2032.
The Eurofighter program is a major employer, securing over 100,000 jobs across Europe. In Germany alone, the program supports approximately 25,000 jobs, involving a complex supply chain of around 120 German companies. This new order provides stability and predictability for this vital industrial sector, allowing for long-term planning and investment in research and development. It ensures that critical engineering and manufacturing skills are retained and developed within Germany.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaking at the ILA Berlin Air Show in June 2024, highlighted this commitment, framing the intended order as part of a plan for “maintaining and expanding arms production capacity, as well as strengthening Germany’s commitment to NATO.” This perspective underscores the dual benefit of the program: enhancing national security while simultaneously reinforcing the nation’s industrial strength.
The delivery schedule, with the first aircraft arriving in 2031 and the last in 2034, provides a clear timeline for production. This sustained activity not only benefits prime contractors like Airbus but also provides a steady stream of work for the hundreds of smaller suppliers that form the backbone of the European aerospace and defense industry.
Germany’s acquisition of 20 new Eurofighter jets is a multi-faceted strategic decision with far-reaching implications. It is a clear and decisive step toward modernizing the Luftwaffe, ensuring it is equipped with the advanced technology required to meet contemporary and future security challenges. The integration of E-Scan radar and sophisticated electronic warfare suites will significantly enhance the fleet’s combat effectiveness, allowing Germany to project credible air power and fulfill its commitments to NATO’s collective defense.
This order also serves as a powerful reaffirmation of the Eurofighter’s role as a bridge to the next generation of air combat through the FCAS program. By investing in the continued evolution of this proven platform, Germany is not only securing its own defense but also strengthening the entire European defense industrial base. The economic benefits, particularly the securing of tens of thousands of high-tech jobs, highlight the program’s importance as a driver of innovation and prosperity. Ultimately, this procurement is a strategic investment in security, technology, and European collaboration.
Question: How many Eurofighters did Germany order? Question: When will the new aircraft be delivered? Question: What are the key technological upgrades in these new Eurofighters? Question: What is the purpose of this new order? Question: How does this purchase impact the European defense industry? Sources: Airbus Press Release
Germany Bolsters Air Defense with 20 New Eurofighter Jets
A Strategic Leap Forward: Technology and Capabilities
Advanced Avionics and Electronic Warfare
Bridging the Gap to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS)
Economic and Industrial Implications
Securing Jobs and Fostering a High-Tech Industry
Concluding Section
FAQ
Answer: Germany has placed a firm order for 20 new Eurofighter aircraft, also referred to as Tranche 5.
Answer: The delivery schedule is set to begin in 2031, with the final aircraft expected to be delivered to the German Air Force in 2034.
Answer: The new jets will be equipped with advanced sensors, most notably the new E-Scan (Electronically Scanned Array) radar and the Arexis electronic warfare suite developed by Saab.
Answer: The primary purpose is to modernize the German Air Force by replacing a portion of the aging Panavia Tornado fleet, particularly the ECR electronic warfare variant, and to strengthen Germany’s air defense capabilities within NATO.
Answer: The contract, valued at €3.75 billion, secures over 100,000 jobs in Europe (25,000 in Germany) and keeps the Airbus production line in Manching, Germany, operational until at least 2032. It involves 120 German suppliers, reinforcing the European defense industrial base.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Embraer and Valkyrie Aero Enhance A-29 with AI for Counter-Drone Missions
Embraer and Valkyrie Aero partner to integrate AI-driven Gunslinger system into A-29 Super Tucano for improved drone detection and engagement.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
Embraer Defense & Security has announced a strategic partnership with U.S. defense contractor Valkyrie Aero to enhance the capabilities of the A-29 Super Tucano. According to an official statement released on March 4, 2026, the collaboration focuses on integrating Valkyrie’s proprietary “Gunslinger” AI suite into the aircraft, specifically targeting the Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) mission profile.
The initiative aims to address a growing disparity in modern aerial warfare: the economic and tactical difficulty of using high-performance jets to intercept low-cost, disposable drones. By equipping the A-29 turboprop with advanced artificial intelligence, the companies intend to improve the “Find, Fix, Finish” kill chain, allowing for more efficient detection and neutralization of hostile unmanned systems.
The core of this partnership is the integration of the “Gunslinger” system. Unlike external hardware pods often associated with capability upgrades, the press release describes Gunslinger as an AI software layer. This system is designed to integrate directly with the A-29’s existing avionics and Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensors.
In operation, the AI analyzes real-time sensor data to automatically detect and track small, slow-moving targets that can be difficult for human pilots to visually identify in cluttered environments. Once a target is acquired, the system provides firing solutions for the A-29’s standard arsenal.
Marcio Monteiro, Vice President at Embraer Defense & Security, highlighted the platform’s suitability for this role:
“With over 60,000 combat flight hours, the A-29 Super Tucano is the gold standard for light attack globally, and the ideal platform for manned C-UAS operations.”
The system utilizes the A-29’s existing weaponry to engage drone threats cost-effectively. According to the announcement and technical details provided regarding the integration, the primary engagement tools include:
Chris Turner, Senior Vice President at Valkyrie Aero, emphasized the practical origins of the technology:
“Gunslinger is born from the immediate needs of the frontline warfighter, whom Valkyrie trains and engages with every day.”
This partnership addresses the “cost exchange” imbalance currently challenging defense forces worldwide. Intercepting cheap, one-way attack drones with advanced fighter jets and sophisticated missiles is often economically unsustainable. The A-29 Super Tucano offers a distinct alternative through its flight characteristics and operating costs. We observe that the shift toward using turboprops for C-UAS missions is driven by three critical factors: speed, loiter time, and cost. While jet fighters often fly too fast to effectively track slow-moving drones, the A-29 has a low stall speed of approximately 80 knots, allowing it to fly alongside targets for stable tracking.
Furthermore, industry data indicates that the A-29 can remain on station for over six hours with external tanks, providing persistent defensive cover that fuel-hungry jets cannot match. Financially, the operational cost per flight hour for a turboprop like the A-29 is estimated between $1,000 and $1,500, a fraction of the $20,000+ often required for fourth or fifth-generation fighters. This announcement positions Embraer to compete directly with other light attack solutions, such as the L3Harris SkyWarden and Textron AT-6 Wolverine, in the expanding market for sustainable aerial defense.
Embraer Defense & Security is the manufacturer of the A-29 Super Tucano. To date, the company has delivered over 260 aircraft to more than 16 air forces. The fleet has accumulated over 500,000 flight hours, including more than 60,000 combat hours, validating its reliability in active conflict zones.
Valkyrie Aero is a U.S. Department of Defense prime contractor specializing in tactical training and Close Air Support (CAS). The company operates a significant privately-owned fleet of Tucanos and holds a Military Flight Release (MFR) from the USAF and US Navy, authorizing them for night operations and weapons release, a credential that underscores their operational expertise.
What is the “Gunslinger” system? Does this require new weapons on the A-29? When was this partnership announced?
Embraer and Valkyrie Aero Partner to Transform A-29 into AI-Driven “Drone Hunter”
Integrating the “Gunslinger” AI Suite
Weaponry and Engagement
Strategic Context: The Economics of Counter-Drone Warfare
AirPro News Analysis
About the Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
Gunslinger is an AI software suite developed by Valkyrie Aero that processes sensor data to automate the detection, tracking, and targeting of drones.
No. The system is designed to utilize the A-29’s existing internal .50 caliber machine guns and laser-guided 70mm rockets.
Embraer and Valkyrie Aero officially announced the partnership on March 4, 2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
First Royal Canadian Air Force PC-21 Completes Maiden Flight
The RCAF’s first Pilatus PC-21 completed its maiden test flight in Switzerland, advancing Canada’s Future Aircrew Training Program.
This article is based on official announcements from Pilatus Aircraft and SkyAlyne.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has moved one step closer to revitalizing its pilot training infrastructure. On February 26, 2026, the first Pilatus PC-21 destined for Canada successfully completed its inaugural production test flight. According to an announcement from Pilatus Aircraft, the flight took place at the manufacturer’s facility in Stans, Switzerland, marking a critical milestone for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.
Designated as the CT-157 Siskin II by the RCAF, this aircraft represents the first of 19 trainers ordered to modernize Canada’s military flight instruction. The successful sortie, which lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes, verified the functionality of the engine, flight controls, and avionics systems against manufacturing specifications.
The flight of the first CT-157 Siskin II is a tangible result of the massive CAD 11.2 billion FAcT Program contract awarded in May 2024. SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian aviation leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, manages the 25-year contract to overhaul aircrew training for the RCAF. Under this program, the PC-21 will replace aging fleets, including the CT-156 Harvard II and the CT-155 Hawk, consolidating training into a unified, modern system.
According to program details released by SkyAlyne, the PC-21 is not merely a replacement but a technological leap. The aircraft is designed to bridge the gap between primary flight training and the cognitive demands of fifth-generation fighters like the F-35. Charles Caldwell, SkyAlyne’s Program Manager for FAcT, emphasized the importance of this development in a recent statement:
“This is a very exciting milestone in the progression of the program. PC-21s (CT-157s) have been identified as the ideal advanced training platform for RCAF pilots and are an integral piece of the FAcT program.”
The PC-21 is widely regarded as the world’s most advanced turboprop trainer. Data from Pilatus Aircraft confirms that the CT-157 Siskin II is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68B engine, capable of delivering 1,600 shaft horsepower. This power allows the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 370 knots (685 km/h) and sustain G-forces ranging from +8G to -4G, simulating the physical environment of high-performance combat jets.
Inside the cockpit, student pilots will encounter a “glass cockpit” environment featuring heads-up displays (HUD) and mission management systems that replicate modern frontline fighters. This configuration allows the RCAF to offload training hours from expensive jet platforms to the more cost-efficient turboprop without sacrificing the quality of avionics training.
Following this successful first flight, the aircraft, bearing serial number 157201 and the temporary Swiss test registration HB-HXA, will undergo further testing. SkyAlyne expects the delivery of the first aircraft to Canada in the second half of 2026. The fleet will eventually be stationed at 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan, which serves as the hub for Canadian military-aircraft pilot training. The name “Siskin II” pays homage to the Armstrong Whitworth Siskin, one of the RCAF’s first fighter aircraft from the 1920s. By reviving this historical name, the RCAF links its heritage to its future, as the FAcT program aims for full operational capability by 2029.
The successful flight of the CT-157 Siskin II highlights a broader global trend in military aviation: the “downloading” of advanced training syllabus items onto high-performance turboprops. Historically, students moved quickly from basic props to jet trainers like the Hawk. However, as the operating costs of jet trainers rise and the avionics of frontline fighters become more complex, air forces are turning to platforms like the PC-21 to teach mission management earlier in the pipeline.
For Canada, this shift is also a matter of sovereign industrial capability. While the airframe is Swiss, the engine is Canadian-made by Pratt & Whitney Canada. This alignment supports the government’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy, ensuring that defense spending recirculates within the Canadian aerospace sector. By joining other top-tier operators such as Switzerland, Australia, France, and the UK, the RCAF is standardizing its training regimen with NATO allies, potentially facilitating easier cross-training and interoperability in the future.
Sources: Pilatus Aircraft (Twitter/X), SkyAlyne / KF Aerospace Press Release
First Royal Canadian Air Force PC-21 Completes Maiden Flight in Switzerland
A New Era for Canadian Pilot Training
Aircraft Specifications and Capabilities
Strategic Timeline and Deployment
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Pilatus
Defense & Military
Dassault Aviation 2025 Results Show Rafale Growth Amid Falcon Supply Issues
Dassault Aviation’s 2025 sales rose 19% to €7.42B led by Rafale fighters, while Falcon jets faced supply chain delays. Backlog reached €46.6B.
This article is based on an official press release from Dassault Aviation.
Dassault Aviation reported strong financial results for the full year 2025, driven largely by the continued dominance of its defense sector. In a financial release published on March 4, 2026, the French aerospace manufacturer revealed that adjusted net sales climbed to €7.42 billion, surpassing its previous guidance of €7 billion. This represents a 19% increase over the €6.23 billion reported in 2024.
The company’s performance highlights a “two-speed” dynamic currently affecting the manufacturer. While the Rafale fighter program exceeded delivery targets and secured major export orders, the civil aviation segment struggled to meet its goals. For the third consecutive year, Falcon business jet deliveries fell short of guidance due to persistent supply chain constraints.
Despite these industrial challenges, the company’s backlog reached a record €46.6 billion, providing significant visibility for the coming years. Management has issued a positive outlook for 2026, forecasting revenue growth to approximately €8.5 billion as production rates ramp up to meet global demand.
According to the consolidated financial results released by the company, Dassault Aviation achieved growth across key profitability metrics. Adjusted operating income rose to €635 million, up 22% from €519 million in 2024. This improvement pushed the operating margin to 8.6%, a slight increase from the previous year’s 8.3%.
Adjusted net income remained relatively stable at €1.06 billion. The company noted that this figure was impacted by a specific €67 million tax surcharge in France; without this exceptional item, net income would have seen more substantial growth. Reflecting this stability, the Board proposed a dividend of €4.78 per share, up slightly from €4.72 in 2024.
Total orders intake for 2025 stood at €10.94 billion, comparable to the €10.87 billion recorded in 2024. The backlog as of December 31, 2025, grew by 8% to €46.6 billion. This backlog is heavily weighted toward the defense sector, which now accounts for 220 Rafale aircraft (175 for export and 45 for France), compared to 73 Falcon business jets.
The defense segment continues to be the primary engine of growth for Dassault Aviation. The company delivered 26 Rafale aircraft in 2025, beating its own guidance of 25. Of these deliveries, 15 were for export customers and 11 were for the French military. Commercial momentum for the fighter remains robust. The company secured orders for 26 Export Rafale aircraft during the year. A significant portion of this intake is attributed to the Indian Navy’s selection of the Rafale Marine variant, a deal that cements India’s status as a critical strategic partner for French aerospace.
To meet this swelling demand, Dassault Aviation confirmed it is executing a plan to increase Rafale production capacity. The target for 2026 is to reach a rate of three aircraft per month, with potential for further increases to satisfy the backlog of 220 fighters.
In contrast to the defense sector, the Falcon business jet division faced significant industrial hurdles. The company delivered 37 Falcon jets in 2025, missing its target of 40 aircraft. While this is an improvement over the 31 units delivered in 2024, it marks another year of missed expectations.
CEO Éric Trappier has previously highlighted the complexity of the current industrial environment. In remarks cited alongside the results, management pointed to late component deliveries that forced the company to perform “gymnastics on the assembly line” to complete aircraft. These bottlenecks remain the primary constraint on civil deliveries.
Despite production difficulties, demand for business jets showed resilience. The company recorded orders for 31 Falcon jets in 2025, an increase from the 26 ordered the previous year. However, the civil backlog contracted slightly, dropping from 79 aircraft in 2024 to 73 at the end of 2025.
Looking ahead, Dassault Aviation provided confident guidance for 2026, signaling an intent to overcome supply chain friction and accelerate deliveries.
The company also noted that its 2025 results and 2026 guidance do not account for potential new U.S. tariffs, which management warned could impact the competitiveness of Falcon jets in the North American market.
The 2025 results underscore a strategic shift in Dassault Aviation’s gravity. For decades, the company balanced itself on two legs: civil and defense. Today, the defense leg is doing the heavy lifting. The backlog disparity, 220 Rafales versus 73 Falcons, suggests that for the medium term, Dassault is effectively a defense contractor with a business jet division, rather than a balanced aerospace conglomerate.
The “gymnastics” required to build Falcons highlights a broader industry vulnerability. While the Rafale supply chain appears more insulated, likely due to sovereign prioritization by French suppliers and government backing, the civil supply chain is exposed to global volatility. If the company cannot stabilize Falcon production rates in 2026, it risks losing market share to competitors like Gulfstream and Bombardier, who are aggressively pushing their own new models. Sources: Dassault Aviation: 2025 Annual Results Financial Release
Dassault Aviation 2025 Results: Rafale Surges While Falcon Faces Supply Chain Headwinds
Financial Performance Overview
Order Intake and Backlog
Defense Sector: The Rafale Powerhouse
Civil Aviation: Supply Chain Struggles
2026 Outlook and Guidance
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Dassault Aviation
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