Italian defense company Leonardo confirmed it has offered to produce the next multi-role fighter jet, pitching its Eurofighter Typhoon under a flexible industrial cooperation and financing package.
In a report from the Philippine News Agency, the European defense firm said the Eurofighter Typhoon fits the operational requirements of the Philippine Air Force for the country’s first supersonic combat-dedicated multi-role aircraft.
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine air superiority fighter jet operated primarily by European nations.
While the fighter jet is manufactured by a consortium of three companies, namely Leonardo, BAE Systems, and Airbus Defence & Space, about 36% of its components are produced by the Italian company.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is among the most advanced fighter jets in the world and is capable of utilizing up-to-date avionics and armaments.
These include an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and an infrared search and track (IRST) system for sensors and detection.
The aircraft could deploy GBU bombs, Brimstone, and Storm Shadow missiles for air-to-ground targets, while using Meteor and Sidewinder missiles for air targets.
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32 Eurofighter Typhoons for the Philippines
Enrico Fossatti, head of Leonardo’s Eurofighter Export Campaigns for marketing and sales, maintained that the fighter aircraft is suitable to solve the country’s current security challenges.
Fosatti added: “The Eurofighter program has consistently configured the aircraft to meet each operator’s specific environmental and operational conditions, a reflection of the platform’s design flexibility and the depth of engineering experience behind it,” said Fossatti, according to the report.
A total of 32 customised units under the Tranche 5 offer can be delivered for the Philippines, close to the 40 multirole units that the local authorities said they are aiming to acquire.
“So far, the Eurofighter (has) been flying in very different climate environments, from the Falklands to Iceland, from the Baltic to Australia, with demonstrated exceptional track records.
“The Philippines’ tropical, maritime setting would naturally inform any configuration work.
“Should the Philippines proceed with the program, Leonardo and the partner nations would work directly with the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Air Force to tailor the aircraft accordingly, subject to possible bilateral agreements and the relevant approvals.”
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Tough competition for Leonardo
Despite the attractive offer from Leonardo, several other defense firms still have a real chance to win the bid to produce the fighter jet.
One of the strongest contenders is the SAAB JAS-39 “Gripen”.
The proposed deal will notably include the delivery of AWACS GlobalEye to the Philippines for increased situational awareness for the jets.
The other contenders include the US F-16 Vipers and South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae fighter jets.
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