Once in a Generation Opportunity’ to Strengthen European Cooperation
Eurofighter received a formal request from Finland for its ‘best and final offer’ for TYPHOON aircraft competing for the nation’s HX fighter acquisition programme on 29 January.
British Minister of State for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quinn, speaking on behalf of the four Eurofighter nations, stated “This once-in-a-generation opportunity would allow Finland to be part of Europe’s largest defence collaboration programme, working to strengthen aerospace, defence and security in the region […] Drawing upon the shared military and industrial benefits it brings with it, the Eurofighter proposal will deliver Finland the ability to independently operate, maintain and control its own aircraft.”
Eurofighter GmbH CEO, Herman Claesan, added “Eurofighter offers Finland and its industry unprecedented access to technology and capability that will ensure sovereignty, create and sustain highly skilled jobs and deliver prosperity.”
Last year, the Eurofighter partner nations made significant investments to maintain the platform at the leading edge of combat capability into the 2060s. The German Air Force committed to the acquisition of an additional 38 new aircraft, with advanced new sensors and weapons, while Britain funded development of an advanced electronically scanning radar. These latest investments build upon the combat-proven capability of a fleet of almost 500 Eurofighters, operating with five countries in Europe. The common threat and shared military requirement make the aircraft a strong choice for Finland.