Greece has been offered final assembly of the Eurofighter Typhoon as part of the industrial package being proposed for the 60-90 aircraft deal.
Athens became the first export customer for the Typhoon when it selected the fighter earlier this year. Negotiations to complete the deal are expected to be finalised by the middle of next year.
British Aerospace director of new business - Eurofighter, Mike Rudd, says final assembly appears to be an attractive proposition to the Greek Government and air force. If the proposal is firmed up, Hellenic Aerospace Industries - which has strategic alliances with Eurofighter partners DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (Dasa) and Alenia - would undertake assembly. The Greek company already makes Airbus parts for Dasa.
Speaking at the Dubai air show, Rudd said detailed discussions on support and industrial requirements are continuing. He dismissed reports that the Eurofighter is falling out of favour in Greece after a visit to the country by the rival Dassault Rafale.
Meanwhile, development of the aircraft beyond the full operational capability (FOC) standard could result in some unusual configurations. Beyond the FOCs, says Rudd, the Eurofighter will receive a series of "relatively straight forward technology insertions".
Longer-term, low-observability characteristics could be required for the aircraft, as well as electronically scanned radars and thrust vectoring control.
Source: Flight International
