The Eurofighter Typhoon is one of Europe’s most advanced fighter aircraft, designed for both air superiority and multirole missions. Built by a consortium of Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo under the Eurofighter GmbH, the Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard–delta wing fighter jet that serves several European and international air forces. It represents a key part of Europe’s defense strategy and a major milestone in collaborative military technology.
The development of the Typhoon began in the 1980s, under the European Fighter Aircraft program, as European nations sought to create a modern combat aircraft independent of the United States. The aircraft took its first flight in 1994 and officially entered service in 2003. Since then, it has seen various upgrades and continues to evolve with new technologies. It is often classified as a 4.5-generation fighter jet, sitting just below the newer fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35 in terms of stealth and digital integration.
The Typhoon is known for its agility, high speed, and wide mission capability. It can reach speeds of Mach 2, or about 2,495 kilometers per hour, and can fly at altitudes up to 55,000 feet. The jet is equipped with two powerful Eurojet EJ200 engines that support both afterburning and limited supercruise capabilities. With a combat range of nearly 2,900 kilometers using drop tanks, it offers strong endurance for extended missions.
Armament is one of the Typhoon’s major strengths. It can carry up to 7,500 kilograms of weapons, including air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, IRIS-T, and the long-range Meteor, as well as air-to-ground munitions like Paveway bombs, Storm Shadow, and Brimstone missiles. A 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon is also installed for close-range combat. The latest Typhoons feature the CAPTOR-E AESA radar, providing superior tracking, targeting, and electronic warfare capabilities.
Key operators of the Eurofighter Typhoon include the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. The aircraft has seen combat deployments and regular participation in NATO missions. While primarily serving European air forces, it has also been exported to select Middle Eastern countries. The aircraft is expected to remain in service into the 2040s as nations continue to upgrade and modernize their fleets.
Despite its strengths, the Eurofighter Typhoon faces stiff competition on the international market, particularly from the US-made F-35. The F-35 offers greater stealth capabilities and a more integrated digital combat system, and is being produced on a larger scale, which makes it more affordable in some cases. Still, the Typhoon holds its ground with advantages in speed, maneuverability, and long-term upgrade potential. The Typhoon is also less reliant on US components, which appeals to countries seeking more independent defense procurement.
The cost of each Typhoon varies depending on the package and configuration, but estimates place it between $120 million and $150 million per unit. This puts it in the same price category as the French Rafale, which shares similar features. However, both are more expensive than the Gripen E from Sweden and in some cases even costlier than the F-35 due to production scale differences.
Future improvements for the Typhoon are being planned under the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) program. This initiative will bring enhancements such as artificial intelligence-assisted systems, improved radar and sensor fusion, and greater survivability features. Additionally, the Typhoon is expected to play a role in the upcoming Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a sixth-generation fighter development program led by several European countries.
As global security concerns continue to grow, particularly in Europe, the Eurofighter Typhoon remains a vital asset. While export sales remain limited compared to the F-35, the aircraft’s advanced systems, high performance, and proven track record ensure that it remains a serious contender in modern air defense.
