BAE concludes Typhoon deliveries to RAF
BAE Systems has delivered the last Eurofighter Typhoon on contract for the Royal Air Force, ahead of transitioning to assembly of the aircraft for the Qatari Emiri Air Force.
The RAF has now received all of its contracted Typhoon fighters, and a ceremony was held to mark the milestone at BAE's final assembly facility at Warton in Lancashire, UK.
This site will now begin to assemble Qatar’s aircraft, ahead of a first delivery in 2022.
‘This event marks another major milestone in our partnership with the UK which will continue to see us work together to invest in evolving Typhoon to become the complete battlefield controller,’ Andy Flynn, Typhoon capability director for BAE Systems’ air division, said.
‘Typhoon was designed to continuously evolve and its untapped potential continues to be realised with new investments in radar, communications, data management, weapons and connectivity further strengthening its role in the frontline of securing the skies over the UK.’
Technology will be developed for Typhoon that will allow it to operate over coming decades, Flynn noted, which will allow it to operate alongside so-called future combat air systems that the UK and other nations are investing in.
‘Great pride should be taken for the continued dedication and hard work needed to reach this significant milestone for the Typhoon programme,’ Air Cdre Paul Lloyd, head of the fast air support team at the UK's Defence Equipment & Support organisation, added.
More from Defence Notes
-
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
-
Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
-
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.