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Germany Orders 20 New Eurofighters for Air Defense
Germany has ordered 20 new Eurofighter jets, with first deliveries expected in 2031.
The 20-aircraft contract will see assembly at Airbus’ Manching facility near Munich and deliveries to the German Air Force (Luftwaffe, DEU) beginning in 2031. The package is designed to modernize capability and extend the service life of the type in German service well into the 2060s.
Alongside the new-build aircraft, the deal includes installation of an advanced E-Scan radar and Saab’s Arexis electronic warfare (EW) suite on both the incoming jets and a retrofit program for existing aircraft. Saab’s Arexis EW suite is an onboard system that enhances detection, jamming and self-protection against modern threats.
Why this Eurofighter order matters
The Eurofighter programme is Europe’s largest defence collaboration and supports more than 100,000 jobs across the continent. For Germany, the fresh order not only replenishes capability but also buys time to integrate the fleet with next-generation systems — notably the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which is planned to begin integration from 2040. FCAS stands for Future Combat Air System and represents the long-term plan for mixed manned-unmanned operations and networked sensors.
- Order: 20 Eurofighter jets — assembly at Airbus Manching near Munich.
- Upgrades: E-Scan radar + Saab Arexis electronic warfare suite for new and retrofitted jets.
- Delivery timeline: first deliveries expected in 2031; type retained into the 2060s.
Operationally, the mix of new airframes and electronics upgrades gives the Luftwaffe a flexible air-defence and multirole capability until FCAS assets become operational. The approach mirrors several European operators’ strategies that combine incremental upgrades with a long-term transition plan to next-gen platforms.
