The German Bundestag on October 8 approved a total allocation of €5.3 billion for the continuation and modernization of the national Eurofighter program, officially confirming the acquisition of 20 additional Tranche 5 aircraft and the development of new Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD) capabilities. According to the German Ministry of Defense’s press release, the decision represents an important step in strengthening the Luftwaffe’s combat capabilities and in the process of fully replacing the aging Tornado fleet by the end of the decade.
The largest portion of the funding – €3.75 billion – will be directed towards the procurement and production of new Eurofighter Tranche 5 aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2031 and 2034. The contract also includes the acquisition of engines, spare parts, and logistics support, with final assembly taking place at Airbus Defence and Space facilities.
Within the same package, €1.13 billion has been earmarked for the development of electronic warfare capabilities, including the integration of AESA radar and Saab’s Arexis system, which will enable the Eurofighter to assume the SEAD/DEAD role currently performed by the Tornado. An additional €82 million is planned for the purchase of related components.
The Ministry of Defense also announced a €412 million investment in new training simulators adapted to the future capabilities of the Typhoon, improving the pilot training environment. “This contract will enhance the simulation environment while preparing for the training of new capabilities that will be integrated into future versions of the Eurofighter combat system,” the ministry stated.
Germany had previously signed a contract for 38 Tranche 4 aircraft under the Quadriga program, aimed at replacing older early-series models no longer suitable for modernization. The new agreement continues this process and reaffirms Germany’s long-term commitment to the Eurofighter as the core platform of its combat fleet.
Despite this new order, the overall number of Luftwaffe combat aircraft will decrease once the Tornado fleet is retired. However, the modernized Eurofighters and the newly ordered F-35A Lightning II – 35 of which have been purchased – will provide significantly greater technological efficiency and interoperability within NATO.
