Germany has ordered 20 new Eurofighter jets to reinforce its air defences as insecurity grows across Europe. The aircraft will be built by the European manufacturer Airbus in Manching, near Munich. The first delivery is planned for 2031 and the last for 2034.
The purchase adds to Germany’s existing fleet of Eurofighters. In addition to these European-built combat aircraft, the German Air Force has also placed orders for the American F-35. The decision comes at a time when several European nations are ramping up defence spending following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a rise in drone incidents near NATO borders.
According to Airbus, the new jets will be fitted with advanced radar and electronic-warfare systems, including Sweden’s Arexis sensors, to improve detection and protection in contested airspace. The upgrades will give Germany “a stronger and more flexible response capability in a changing European security environment,” said Mike Schoellhorn, head of Airbus Defence and Space.
740 orders to date
The Eurofighter programme — a joint effort between Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy — remains one of Europe’s largest defence collaborations. It supports tens of thousands of jobs across the continent and involves more than a hundred German suppliers. To date, nine countries have ordered over 740 aircraft, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.
The Eurofighter is one of Europe’s most successful military-industrial collaborations.
Manned and unmanned
Germany plans to keep the Eurofighter in service into the 2060s, with regular upgrades to ensure compatibility with the future air-combat system FCAS (Future Combat Air System). That European project, expected to become operational around 2040, will link crewed fighter jets with drones and other digital platforms.
Across Europe, governments are increasing military budgets after years of restraint. From large aircraft contracts to new ammunition factories, the defence industry is expanding rapidly — a sign that Europe’s security policy is being reshaped by war, deterrence and the need for collective resilience.
