FARNBOROUGH, UK: Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH today (July 17th) confirmed that NETMA, the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, has placed an order with it to integrate the Storm Shadow long range attack missile onto the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Representatives from NETMA, Eurofighter, and the four core nations of the Eurofighter Program (the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Germany) convened for the Contract Signing Ceremony in the Eurofighter Pavilion at the Farnborough Air Show on Thursday.
Under the terms of what is known as a ‘Contract 4’ order from NETMA, Eurofighter will work with the three Eurofighter Partner Companies (BAE Systems, Airbus Space & Defence, and Alenia Aermacchi) and their supply base – including MBDA, the makers of the Storm Shadow missile – to integrate the weapon on the aircraft. The Contract will form part of what is known as the P2E enhancement package. Flight trials with Storm Shadow on Typhoon have been progressing since late 2013 and, working with Eurofighter operators, we expect to deliver an operational capability in line with their requirements.
Storm Shadow is a long range, all-weather, high precision, stand-off weapon already in service on Royal Air Force Tornados. It has been proven in operations to great effect in Iraq and Libya neutralizing hardened command bunkers and other high value targets. The stealthy weapon design allows it to penetrate layered air defences whilst the long range of Storm Shadow allows it to be launched outside those defences increasing the launch aircraft survivability.
In the deep attack role Eurofighter Typhoon will carry two Storm Shadow missiles whilst maintaining the ability to carry 8 air-air missiles. This will enable Eurofighter Typhoon to fight its way in and out of the combat area.
Graham Farnell, General Manager of NETMA said: “We are delighted to be able to place this Contract with Eurofighter and we look forward to still further enhancements as the Program progresses.”
Alberto Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer of Eurofighter, said: “This is yet further evidence of a solid roll-out of capability from Eurofighter and also demonstrates the value of forward investment by industry to ensure a progressive and pro-active approach to weapons systems enhancement.”
Background information:
Eurofighter Typhoon is the most advanced new generation multi-role/swing-role combat aircraft currently available on the world market. Seven nations (Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Austria, Saudi Arabia and Oman) have already ordered the Eurofighter Typhoon. Eurofighter Typhoon is currently the largest military procurement program in Europe.
Its high technology strengthens the position of European aerospace industry in the international market. The program secures more than 100,000 jobs in 400 companies. Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH manages the program on behalf of the Eurofighter Partner Companies Alenia Aermacchi, BAE Systems and Airbus Defence and Space in Germany and Spain, which are the most important aviation and aerospace companies in Europe.
Since delivery of the first Eurofighter Typhoon to the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom end of 2003, a total of 412 aircraft have been delivered to six nations. The 100th Eurofighter was delivered to the Royal Air Force in September 2006. The 200th aircraft was handed over in November 2009 to the German Air Force. The 300th aircraft was delivered to the Spanish Air Force in November 2011 and the German Air Force received the 400th Eurofighter in December 2013.
In the past 10 years the Eurofighter fleet has demonstrated its high operational effectiveness in international missions and training exercises and has accumulated more than 250,000 flying hours.
