Eurofighter Typhoon Ready for Japan

BAE Systems, with the full support of the UK Government, the Eurofighter partner companies and nations together with the Sumitomo Corporation, has today submitted a response to Japan’s requirement for a new fighter aircraft to the Japanese Ministry of Defence in Tokyo.

Nigel Whitehead, BAE Systems Group Managing Director - Programmes and Support said: “This cost effective proposal offers Eurofighter Typhoon, the world’s most advanced multi-role combat aircraft, as Japan’s best option to meet the requirement for its F-X programme and the most capable deterrent to regional threats. The aircraft already has operationally proven multi-role capabilities and through our ability to offer licensed production, maintenance and technology transfer, Japan can have sovereign control of manufacture, support and upgrade of Typhoon aircraft in Japan by Japanese industry. We are also able to offer software source codes and other data, giving Japan the ability to develop the aircraft itself to meet its own unique needs, now and in the future”.

The UK Ambassador to Japan David Warren also commented: “I am delighted that BAE Systems has been able to submit such a compelling solution to Japan’s F-X requirement. Typhoon will deliver world-class capability for many years to come. It also offers our two nations an opportunity to significantly strengthen our defence and security relationship and an opportunity for ground breaking industrial cooperation which will contribute substantially to Japan’s defence and aerospace industries future. The Proposal has HM Government’s fullest support”

Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH manages the Typhoon programme on behalf of the Eurofighter Partner Companies: Alenia Aeronautica, BAE Systems and Cassidian in Spain and Germany, Europe’s foremost aerospace companies.

Over 290 aircraft have been delivered to the air forces of the four partner nations and to customers, with 115,000 flying hours achieved between them.

In the UK, the Royal Air Force working with BAE Systems’ support, ensures Typhoon is available for full operational duty, protecting and defending the national air space 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The role of the aircraft includes air defence and air interception.

The Royal Air Force operate Typhoon from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, RAF Leuchars in Scotland, and Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands and most recently have been performing operational tasks in Libya.

Eurofighter Typhoon is the world's most advanced new generation real multi-role/swing-role combat aircraft available on the market and has been ordered by six nations (Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Austria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). With 707 aircraft under contract, it is Europe’s largest military collaborative programme and delivers leading-edge technology, strengthening Europe’s aerospace industry in the global competition.

More than 100,000 jobs in 400 companies are secured by the programme. Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH manages the programme on behalf of the Eurofighter Partner Companies: Alenia Aeronautica/Finmeccanica, BAE Systems, EADS CASA and EADS Deutschland, Europe’s foremost aerospace companies with a total turnover of approx. EUR 120 billion (2010).

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