Austria has reconfirmed its commitment to the Eurofighter Typhoon multirole fighter but has reduced its intended purchase from 24 to 18 aircraft. Vienna selected the Typhoon last July, surprising many as the Saab/BAE Systems Gripen had been seen as the leading contender. The €1.8 billion ($2 billion) fighter procurement was suspended in August following devastating floods. Meanwhile, retiring UK chief of the defence staff Adm Sir Michael Boyce says the number of Typhoons to be acquired by the Royal Air Force is to be reviewed. The Ministry of Defence says it has a contractual commitment for 55 aircraft in Tranche 1 production and agreements for Tranches 2 and 3. However, the MoD says the defence procurement plans are "not set in stone".
Source: Flight International
