Germany Orders 20 New Eurofighter Jets to Modernize Air Defense

Germany Bolsters Air Defense with 20 New Eurofighter Jets

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.

A Strategic Leap Forward: Technology and Capabilities

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.

Advanced Avionics and Electronic Warfare

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.

Bridging the Gap to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS)

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.

Economic and Industrial Implications

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.

Securing Jobs and Fostering a High-Tech Industry

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.

Concluding Section

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.

FAQ

Question: How many Eurofighters did Germany order?
Answer: Germany has placed a firm order for 20 new Eurofighter aircraft, also referred to as Tranche 5.

Question: When will the new aircraft be delivered?
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.

Question: What are the key technological upgrades in these new Eurofighters?
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.

Question: What is the purpose of this new order?
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.

Question: How does this purchase impact the European defense industry?
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

Sources: Airbus Press Release