The news comes as several NATO member states strengthen their defenses in response to the ongoing Russian attack on Ukraine. Spain will already benefit from the addition of two additional US naval destroyers deployed to the country following a promise by President Joe Biden to increase its presence in Europe.
The Spanish Air Force is now planning to purchase 20 new Typhoon fighter jets with the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) signing the contract to acquire the jets.
In a boost to the UK industry, BAE Systems will benefit from the transaction through its involvement in the manufacture of multiple components for the Typhoon.
Speaking of the contract, Andrea Thompson, Managing Director – Europe and International for BAE Systems’ airline sector, and chair of the Eurofighter Supervisory Board, said: “The Spanish Government’s commitment to the purchase of additional typhoons strengthens its position as one of: the world’s most successful military fighter jets.
“Every day we see the important role it plays in delivering air security in the air across Europe and this investment only strengthens the international partnership that underlies Eurofighter.
“The fact that an existing Typhoon operator commits itself to buying additional aircraft only strengthens their confidence in the aircraft and its performance.
“Our people will work closely with our Eurofighter partners to ensure that we provide the Spanish Air Force with the aircraft it needs to secure its air for decades to come.”
The announcement by Spain follows an order for 38 new typhoons for Germany in November 2020.
Work is now underway to manufacture components for these aircraft at BAE Systems’ facilities in Samlesbury and Warton, Lancashire, with engineering teams supporting work on advanced new radar and sensors.
More than 5 000 BAE Systems employees directly support the Typhoon program in the UK, which supports more than 10 000 jobs in the UK economy as a whole.
Spain’s order maintains continuity of Typhoon production in the UK after the middle of the decade.
The final assembly of the aircraft for Spain will be undertaken by Airbus in Getafe, Spain, with deliveries to begin in 2025.
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The pilot is capable of performing many functions through the aircraft’s hands-on throttle and stick known as HOTAS, which combined with an advanced cabin and the Helmet Equipment Assembly (HEA) make the Typhoon equipped for all types of air operations.
The Typhoon is loaded with a powerful array of weapons.
In an air-to-air roll, it carries infrared-guided Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM) and ramjet-powered, radar-guided, out-of-range visual range Meteor and medium-range missiles.
The Typhoon is currently operated by nine countries worldwide, with four of them in West Asia.
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