Beyond a joint commitment from Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK to acquire 620 aircraft (plus options for a further 90 to cover attrition losses), the Eurofighter partners have secured their first export customer, and are involved in competitions which could increase the level of orders on their books.
The Austrian government last year signed an almost €2 billion ($2.4 billion) deal to buy 18 Eurofighter Typhoons manufactured to the multirole Tranche 2 production standard. A first batch of four aircraft will be delivered to the air force's Zeltweg airbase in mid-2007, and its last two are scheduled for acceptance during 2009.
Discussions continue with Greece, meanwhile, for the potential supply of 60-90 Typhoons. Athens has previously announced its intention to order the aircraft, but stopped short of signing a production contract in the face of the massive costs associated with its hosting the Olympic Games later this year. It is unclear whether Greece will proceed with its stalled buy next year, or hold a fresh competition.
Norway could also be set to re-emerge as a potential buyer for the Typhoon, with dissatisfaction mounting in the country over the limited opportunities available for its industry in the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme. Oslo's previous fighter contest was suspended after being reduced to a choice between the Typhoon and a follow-on order for Lockheed Martin F-16s. Norway is expected to announce later this month on whether it is to continue its involvement in the F-35 project, or look to European rivals offering higher industrial returns.
Singapore is expected to complete flight tests of the Typhoon before July's Farnborough air show, as part of a competition to acquire 20-24 multirole fighters to replace its McDonnell Douglas A-4SU Skyhawks. Boeing's F-15T and Dassault's Rafale are also contesting the requirement, a decision on which is anticipated from late this year.
Should Singapore select the Typhoon, some of its aircraft could be introduced into service and based in the UK under a similar framework to the Royal Air Force's current Case White agreement with BAE Systems, the company says. "We have the infrastructure, the model and the capability" to deliver a similar training package to Singapore and other customers, says a BAE source.
Another possible application for such a Typhoon training capability could exist with Saudi Arabia. The country is eyed as a long-term sales prospect, as a current operator of the type's European predecessor, the Panavia Tornado.
Source: Flight International
