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Combat Aircraft ยทEurofighter

Typhoon

European multirole fighter, renowned for service in multinational military operations since late 20th century, noted for superior air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities.

Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft in flight
Origin country
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Spain๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy
First flight
1994Mar 27
Introduced
2003
Produced
589units
Avg unit price
$90 million
Active worldwide
549+150 on order
Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft side profile drawing
Side profile ยท Eurofighter Typhoon ยท length 16.0 m
Technical SpecificationsVersion: Typhoon FGR.4
Crew1 pilot
Length16.0 m (52.4 ft)
Wingspan11.0 m (35.9 ft)
Height5.3 m (17.3 ft)
Wing area51.2 mยฒ (551.1 sqft)
Empty weight11,000 kg (24,251 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight23,500 kg (51,809 lbs)
Powerplant2 ร— turbofans Eurojet EJ-200 9,163 kgf each
Ejection seatMartin-Baker Mk 16A
PerformanceVersion: Typhoon FGR.4
Maximum speed2495 km/h (Mach 2.5)
Operational range2,900 km (1,802 mi)
Service ceiling16,765 m (55,003 ft)
Climb rate315.0 m/s (1033.5 ft/s)
Operators โ€” 2026
ActiveOn order
Armament
Missiles payload
Bombs payload
Live Losses TrackerUpdated daily

1 loss recorded here in the 2026 Iran Conflict.

Compare This Aircraft
Typhoon vs
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๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Austriaยท ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germanyยท ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Spainยท ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdomยท ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greeceยท ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italyยท ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ผ Kuwaitยท ๐Ÿ‡ด๐Ÿ‡ฒ Omanยท ๐Ÿ‡ถ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Qatarยท ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Saudi Arabia

Description

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a European twin-engine, supersonic, canard delta wing multirole fighter manufactured by a consortium of Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo through Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH. Developed jointly by the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the aircraft entered operational service in 2003. Originally designed as an air-superiority fighter, the Typhoon is known for high agility in aerial combat and its capability to execute air defence, reconnaissance, and precision ground-attack missions.

Development

Development began in 1983 under the Future European Fighter Aircraft programme involving Britain, Germany, Italy, Spain, and initially France, which departed to construct the Dassault Rafale independently. The British Aerospace EAP technology demonstrator first flew on 6 August 1986, followed by the maiden flight of the Eurofighter prototype on 27 March 1994. The aircraft was named Typhoon in September 1998 when initial production contracts were signed. Managed by the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, total procurement reached 680 aircraft by November 2023 across partner nations and export clients.

Design

The airframe features a 53-degree sweepback cranked delta wing, active canards, and 82% composite construction made primarily of carbon fibre and glass fibre. Flight control is managed by a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire system governing intentionally relaxed stability. Propulsion is provided by two Eurojet EJ200 turbofans rated at 60 kN dry and over 90 kN with afterburner, enabling supercruise up to Mach 1.5. Target tracking and defense rely on the Captor pulse-Doppler or ECRS active electronically scanned array radar, the PIRATE infrared search and track sensor, and the Praetorian defensive aids sub-system.

Armament

The Typhoon possesses 13 hardpoints carrying over 9,000 kg of payload, alongside an internal 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon with 150 rounds. Air-to-air missile options include the AIM-120 AMRAAM, MBDA Meteor, ASRAAM, IRIS-T, and AIM-9 Sidewinder. Air-to-surface armaments comprise Paveway II/IV guided bombs, Brimstone, Storm Shadow, Taurus KEPD 350, and Marte ER anti-ship missiles.

Operational History

The Typhoon saw its combat debut in 2011 enforcing a no-fly zone and launching ground strikes in Libya during Operation Unified Protector. Royal Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Force Typhoons later conducted strike operations against ISIL targets in Iraq and Syria, while Saudi aircraft were deployed in Yemen. The type handles primary quick reaction alert air defence duties for operating nations and has been exported to Austria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Variants

  • Tranche 1: Initial production variant providing baseline air-to-air capabilities alongside early laser-guided bomb integration.
  • Tranche 2: Production batch introducing improved air-to-surface weapons integration and upgraded processing systems.
  • Tranche 3: Variant featuring structural provisions for conformal fuel tanks, avionics enhancements, and integration of AESA radar systems.
  • Tranche 4: Production standard featuring ground-attack enhancements and ECRS active electronically scanned array radars.
  • Typhoon EK: Electronic warfare conversion configured with escort jammer pods, emitter location systems, and AGM-88E anti-radiation missiles.

In the News

All news โ†’
Illustration
JUL 9, 2026

UK, Italy and Japan Award ยฃ4.6 Billion GCAP Development Contract to Edgewing

The trinational GCAP Agency on July 3 awarded a ยฃ4.6 billion ($6.1 billion), 18-month contract to Edgewing, the BAE Systems-Leonardo-JAIEC joint venture, to complete concept work and begin detailed design of the sixth-generation fighter targeted for service entry in 2035.

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft is the Typhoon?
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a combat aircraft aircraft developed by Eurofighter and entered service in 2003.
What is the maximum speed of the Typhoon?
The Eurofighter Typhoon has a maximum speed of 2,495 km/h (Mach 2.0).
What is the range of the Typhoon?
The Eurofighter Typhoon has an operational range of 2,900 km (1,801 miles). This range can vary based on payload, altitude, and mission profile.
When did the Typhoon first fly?
The Eurofighter Typhoon made its first flight on March 27, 1994. It entered operational service in 2003.
How many Typhoon have been built?
Approximately 589 units of the Eurofighter Typhoon have been produced since it entered service in 2003.
Which countries operate the Typhoon?
The Eurofighter Typhoon is operated by 9 countries with approximately 549 aircraft in active service. The largest operators include Germany, United Kingdom, and Italy.
How much does a Typhoon cost?
The Eurofighter Typhoon has an estimated unit cost of approximately $90.0 million. Actual prices vary based on configuration, quantity ordered, and included support packages.
What is the service ceiling of the Typhoon?
The Eurofighter Typhoon has a service ceiling of 16,765 meters (55,003 feet). This is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight.
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