Germany is set to receive 20 new Eurofighter fighter jets from Airbus between 2031 and 2034, part of a broader effort to modernize its air force and replace aging Tornado aircraft.

These Eurofighters are crucial for enhancing Germany's surveillance capabilities and NATO airspace security, serving as a technological bridge to the future FCAS, which will include networked crewed and uncrewed aircraft starting around 2040.

The contract, valued at €3.75 billion and approved by the Bundestag, supports the Eurofighter program, Europe's largest defense initiative involving multiple nations and supporting over 100,000 jobs.

However, the future of the FCAS project remains uncertain, as German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned it could be canceled if a decision isn't made by the end of the year, highlighting ongoing political and strategic challenges.

Eurofighter's CEO emphasized the program's significance, nearing one million flight hours and maintaining European industrial skills and defense sovereignty.

The Eurofighter program is a collaborative effort among Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, with over 740 aircraft ordered by nine nations, supporting NATO's air dominance and European defense cooperation.

This initiative supports more than 400 companies across Europe and is a key component of the continent’s defense modernization, especially amid evolving global security threats.

Beyond the Eurofighter purchase, Germany has approved additional military upgrades, including pilot training simulators, armor-piercing ammunition, naval boats, and minehunting systems, reflecting a comprehensive modernization strategy.

The new Eurofighters will feature advanced self-protection systems with artificial intelligence and will be equipped with modern guided missiles like AARGM and Taurus, with configurations extending their service life into the 2060s.

Germany is also developing a dedicated Eurofighter EK electronic warfare and reconnaissance variant to replace the Tornado ECR in NATO's SEAD role, with 15 aircraft equipped with Saab Arexis and other systems.

The Eurofighter EK development, valued at approximately €1.13 billion, is scheduled to run until 2033, utilizing aircraft already in service for conversion and deployment in the early 2030s.

Airbus plans to double Eurofighter production from ten to twenty jets annually to meet future demand, supporting the ongoing expansion of Europe's defense capabilities.