Why the Eurofighter Typhoon Is Still Selling in the Age of Stealth
The Eurofighter Typhoon first entered service in the early 2000s, the product of a multinational European effort to produce a modern air superiority fighter.
Originally designed during the late Cold War to counter Soviet aircraft, the Typhoon’s role has been incrementally expanded, ensuring enduring relevance long after the Soviet threat disappeared.
Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Pair. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
And despite the emergence of fifth-generation stealth aircraft, such as the F-22 and F-35, the Typhoon continues to attract new export customers worldwide.
Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar—all still operate the Eurofighter Typhoon, raising the question: why are countries still so interested in a fourth-generation Cold War design in the era of fifth-generation stealth and networking?
Introducing the Eurofighter Typhoon
The Typhoon was the result of a European consortium involving the U.K., Germany, Italy, and Spain.
With development beginning in the 1980s, NATO was focused on countering advanced Soviet fighters—a design goal that the Eurofighter Typhoon embodied.
Its key design priorities included air-to-air performance, high maneuverability, long-range radar detection, and the ability to operate in NATO air defense networks.
The aircraft’s delta-wing and canard configuration allowed for exceptional agility, and the twin engines provide strong thrust and high speed, giving the Typhoon impressive kinetic performance.
Eurofighter Typhoon. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Even today, decades later, the Typhoon remains one of the most capable non-stealth fighters in service.
Built for Air Superiority
One reason the Typhoon is still relevant in the export market is the platform’s capable air-to-air performance.
With a high thrust-to-weight ratio, excellent maneuverability, and powerful radar/sensors, the Typhoon is effective at both dogfighting and beyond-visual-range combat.
Modern upgrades—i.e., AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare suites, integration with the Meteor air-to-air missile—have only continued to enhance the aircraft’s air superiority prowess, allowing the Typhoon to remain competitive against many modern fighters.
Multirole Conversion
Although the Typhoon was initially designed for air superiority, the jet has evolved into a multirole aircraft (following the trajectory of both the F-15 and the F-16).
Now, the Typhoon is capable of precision ground attack, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), maritime strike missions, and other missions.
This flexibility makes the Typhoon attractive to air forces that want a single platform capable of performing multiple missions, which happens to be most air forces.
Proven Operational Record
The Typhoon has been used in several real-world military operations, demonstrating its combat capability.
Examples include NATO operations in Libya, coalition air operations in Iraq and Syria, and air policing missions across Europe.
This combat experience shows that the Typhoon is reliable and adaptable in the more tightly contested world of combat—a demonstration that enhances the jet’s value on the export market.
A UK Eurofighter Typhoon flies above the Baltics on 25 May 2022. UK and Czech fighter jets have been taking part in air defence training over the Baltic region. UK Eurofighter Typhoons, F-35s and Czech Gripens were involved in an exercise as part of Neptune Shield 22 (NESH22), a multinational maritime vigilance activity. NESH22 has seen a range of multi-domain activities between air, land and maritime assets across Europe and in the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas. It runs from 17 to 31 May 2022.
The Political Angle
Aircraft purchases are rarely about pure technical performance. (Just ask the Canadians.)
And here, the Typhoon benefits from the political and industrial advantage of being European.
Countries purchasing the aircraft often receive industrial offsets, technology transfers, and opportunities for local production.
This approach allows governments to support domestic aerospace industries.
And buying European is generally a more neutral option than buying American or Russian. Indeed, for many purchasers, the Typhoon facilitates strategic independence.
Buying European aircraft reduces reliance on U.S. defense systems, strengthens Europe’s aerospace sector, and supports regional defense cooperation.
Therefore, the Typhoon plays an important role in maintaining Europe’s ability to design and produce advanced combat aircraft.
Thriftier Option
Let’s not forget: fifth-generation fighters are expensive.
Eurofighter Typhoon. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The American F-35, for example, offers significant advantages, but also includes expensive acquisition prices, complex maintenance requirements, and specialized infrastructure needs.
That’s not cheap. By comparison, the Typhoon can be purchased and operated over the jet’s life cycle for much less.
For some countries, the Typhoon is a practical and affordable option that brings sufficient capability.
Still Selling
The Typhoon occupies a unique position in the global fighter market, combining strong air combat performance with modern upgrades and European political backing.
For countries that can’t afford fifth-generation fighters—or do not want to become too entangled with the United States—the Typhoon remains an attractive, combat-proven option.
Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
As long as modern upgrades continue, and export partnerships remain strong, the Typhoon is likely to be a relevant fighter for years to come.
The message is clear: the Eurofigher Typhoon might not be a stealth fighter like the F-22 or F-35, but she is still one of the best warplanes on Earth. Any air force would love to have them in its arsenal.
MORE – Move Over, F-35 and F-47 NGAD: A ‘Super’ F-22 Raptor 2.0 Is Coming to the U.S. Air Force
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is an attorney and journalist covering national security, technology, and politics. Previously, he was a political staffer and candidate, and a US Air Force pilot selectee. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in global journalism and international relations from NYU.
