Germany Approves €5.3 Billion For Purchase of 20 New Eurofighter Tranche 5 Jets

German lawmakers have cleared a major investment worth €5.3 billion to expand and modernise the country’s Eurofighter Typhoon programme. The Budget Committee of the Bundestag approved the funding on 8 October, authorising the procurement of 20 new-build Tranche 5 aircraft and a comprehensive capability upgrade for the fleet.

New Tranche 5 Order and Funding Breakdown

Of the total amount, €3.75 billion has been set aside for the acquisition of the aircraft, which includes engines, spare parts, and replacement components. Deliveries are planned between 2031 and 2034, with production to be carried out by Airbus Defence and Space in Germany. These aircraft will represent the first Tranche 5 models to enter service.

In addition to procurement, €1.13 billion is allocated for the development and integration of new systems, including radar, electronic warfare equipment, and weapons. Another €82 million will fund component purchases, while €412 million will go toward new simulator systems to train pilots on the upgraded aircraft.

Defence officials said the investment in simulators will not only support pilot training but also align simulation systems with future Eurofighter developments such as the new radar and expanded mission profiles.

Enhanced Capabilities for Modern Air Combat

The Tranche 5 Eurofighters will feature active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, significantly improving target detection and tracking performance. They will also be fitted with Saab’s Arexis electronic warfare suite and new-generation anti-radiation missiles. Together, these upgrades will allow the aircraft to take on the suppression and destruction of enemy air defences (SEAD/DEAD) mission, a role currently performed by the ageing Panavia Tornado fleet.

Tranche 5 represents the most advanced version of the Eurofighter to date, with expanded computing power, improved sensor fusion, and provisions for future weapons integration. These enhancements will ensure compatibility with next-generation systems under development in Europe, including elements related to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme.

Eurofighter’s Role in the German Air Force

The Luftwaffe currently operates around 140 Eurofighter Typhoons across Tranche 1 to Tranche 4 configurations. The Tranche 1 jets are being gradually phased out due to limitations in upgrade potential, while Tranche 3 and 4 aircraft form the backbone of Germany’s air defence and quick reaction alert missions.

Germany was also the first Eurofighter partner nation to place a top-up order for 38 Tranche 4 aircraft under the Quadriga programme, replacing its oldest Typhoons. The new Tranche 5 batch will complement these aircraft and help maintain operational readiness into the 2040s.

Balancing Fleet Numbers and Future Plans

Despite the new acquisition, Germany’s overall fleet size will continue to contract as 85 Tornado aircraft are retired by the end of the decade. Even with the addition of 35 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters and 20 new Eurofighters, total frontline combat strength is projected to decline modestly in the near term.

However, defence analysts note that the newer platforms offer far greater capability, ensuring a net increase in combat effectiveness. The combination of advanced Eurofighters and F-35s will provide Germany with both multirole flexibility and enhanced interoperability with NATO allies.

Strengthening the European Industrial Base

The approval of Tranche 5 production also reinforces the industrial partnership behind the Eurofighter programme, involving Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain. Both Spain and Italy have recently announced additional orders, ensuring continuity for manufacturing lines and supporting European defence self-reliance.

The Bundestag’s approval fulfils a commitment made at the 2024 ILA Berlin Air Show, when then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced plans for the 20-aircraft purchase. With this funding in place, Germany moves forward in ensuring that the Eurofighter remains central to its air power strategy and a key pillar of Europe’s collective defence capability.