Spain Strengthens Eurofighter Typhoon Fleet with 59 New EJ200 Engines from EUROJET

The Spanish Air Force has taken a significant step to enhance its defense capabilities with the signing of a contract for 59 EJ200 engines to power its Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. The agreement, marking the second phase of Spain’s Halcón acquisition project, was formalized at the Getafe Air Force Base in Madrid.

This milestone contract was signed by Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Simon Ellard (ret.), General Manager of the NATO Eurofighter & Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), and Ralf Breiling, CEO of EUROJET Turbo GmbH, the consortium responsible for managing the EJ200 engine program. The deal underscores Spain's commitment to strengthening its aerial defense within NATO’s strategic framework.

EJ200 Engine: A Cutting-Edge Powerhouse

The EJ200 engine, renowned for its cutting-edge performance, will serve as the backbone of Spain’s Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. Since its first delivery in 2003, the EJ200 has accumulated over 1.5 million flying hours and proven its combat capabilities across nine air forces worldwide.

The engine’s modular design ensures high reliability and ease of maintenance, critical features for operational readiness. With thrust levels exceeding 20,000 pounds, the EJ200 provides superior maneuverability and speed, making it an ideal choice for modern combat scenarios.

Production and Delivery Timeline

The production of the EJ200 engines will involve EUROJET’s partner companies: Rolls-Royce (UK), MTU Aero Engines (Germany), ITP Aero (Spain), and Avio Aero (Italy). Final assembly and integration will be conducted at ITP Aero’s facility in Ajalvir, Spain, ensuring local expertise is at the forefront of this project.

Deliveries are expected to commence in 2029, aligning with Spain’s broader modernization plans for its Eurofighter fleet. This long-term project highlights the strategic role of the EJ200 in bolstering Spain's air defense capabilities.

Strategic Importance of the Contract

Ralf Breiling, CEO of EUROJET, emphasized the significance of Spain’s confidence in the EJ200 engine, calling it “inspiring” and noting its role in delivering a “world-class, combat-proven asset” for the Spanish Air Force.

AVM Simon Ellard (ret.) of NETMA highlighted the collaborative nature of this procurement, stating, “The EJ200 powers the Eurofighter Typhoon to secure our skies and reinforce NATO’s deterrence capabilities.”

EUROJET: A European Collaboration

EUROJET Turbo GmbH is a consortium of leading aerospace companies, including Rolls-Royce, MTU Aero Engines, ITP Aero, and Avio Aero. This collaboration represents a cornerstone of European defense cooperation, leveraging expertise from across the continent to deliver cutting-edge aerospace technology.

With over 1,400 EJ200 engines delivered to date, EUROJET continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the Eurofighter Typhoon, one of the most advanced multirole combat aircraft globally.

Conclusion

The contract for 59 new EJ200 engines not only reinforces Spain’s aerial defense capabilities but also showcases the strength of European collaboration in the aerospace sector. As the engines begin to roll out in 2029, the Spanish Air Force will be better equipped to address modern defense challenges and fulfill its commitments within NATO.

This initiative underlines the enduring importance of the Eurofighter Typhoon and the EJ200 engine in maintaining a robust and capable European defense ecosystem.