BAE Systems celebrates Euros 14bn order for Eurofighter Typhoon

Notes and media contacts

Eurofighter Typhoon is the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft, developed by the leading aerospace companies, Alenia Aeronautica, BAE SYSTEMS, EADS Germany and EADS CASA, of the four partner countries, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany and Spain.

Agile and highly manoeuvrable, the twin-engine Eurofighter Typhoon is designed to operate from hastily prepared bases and small runways for worldwide operations. It is equipped with an advanced multi-mode radar and an extensive range of sensors and electronic countermeasures.

The aircraft's ability to gain air superiority beyond visual range (BVR) and in close combat, and at the same time deliver high sortie rates against air, naval and ground targets in all weathers with a variety of weapons, demands close attention to pilot workload. In Eurofighter the pilot flies through use of a computerised flight control system that delivers high supersonic manoeuvrability and subsonic agility.

A strong emphasis has been placed on reducing cost of ownership in addition to outstanding performance and flight safety. Eurofighter Typhoon is less expensive to run than the generation of aircraft it is designed to replace.

The Eurofighter Typhoon partner nations plan to take delivery of 620 aircraft: 180 for Germany, 121 for Italy, 87 for Spain and 232 for the United Kingdom. An additional export order of 18 Eurofighter Typhoon has been agreed with the Government of Austria. Eurofighter has also been shortlisted in Singapore in a competition for a Future Fighter.

The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence has agreed an industrial participation programme with Eurofighter GmbH for the future enhancement of the weapon system. Eurofighter Typhoon has also been selected by Greece to meet its respective requirements for a future fighter.

Following Type Acceptance on 30 June, 2003, Series Production Aircraft have now been delivered to each of the four nation air forces and entry into service training is proceeding.

About BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space.

The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.

BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately £12 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.

BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.

For further information, please contact:
Jayne Thomson, BAE SYSTEMS Middle East
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384 841

Issued by:
MCS/Action: Tel: +9714 390 2960; fax: +9714 3908161.

On behalf of:
BAE SYSTEMS, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947

Captions:
Simon Keith, Managing Director, BAE Systems Middle East: I am confident there will be tremendous interest in the Middle East in Eurofighter Typhoon as countries move to modernise and upgrade their air forces.

Eurofighter Typhoon: The contract will see the second tranche of 236 planes assembled at BAE Systems Warton facility in the United Kingdom.