Japan "Likes Look of" Typhoon: BAE Systems Director
BAE Systems has highlighted the prospect of new Eurofighter Typhoon export orders taking place if the US continues to ban Boeing F-22 Raptor export sales.
In comments made at the Farnborough Airshow, BAE Systems business development director Alan Garwood described the situation as a “specific opportunity”, with the “Typhoon...up against the F-22.”
“The Japanese have looked at Typhoon”, he added.
“They like the look of it.''
Typhoon, F-22 at Farnborough
Both aircraft have been seen at Farnborough this year although, in the case of the F-22, solely on the opening day.
The export order book for Typhoon currently stands at 87 airframes through deals made with Austria and Saudi Arabia. The aircraft is one of the contenders in the bidding to fill India’s requirement for 126 new combat jets, while Switzerland is also viewed as a possible prospective Typhoon buyer.
Garwood, speaking at Farnborough, drew attention to how BAE’s willingness to involve Japanese firms in its technology was above that of the US’ when it came to the F-22.
Comparing the two aircraft, he commented: “Typhoon is almost as capable; the big difference is the F-22 is stealthy”. The Typhoon, he added, represents a “very cost-effective plane.”
Eurofighter Partner Nations
Four partner nations – the UK, Spain, Italy and Germany – are involved in the Eurofighter programme.
Typhoon aside, BAE is also seeking to expand in Asian defence markets and, in this way, is discussing with South Korea the prospect of selling it ground-based equipment.
Garwood yesterday referred to the Asian market as “huge”, adding: "we are very actively looking to try and qualify this as a home market' [i.e. a place for it to both construct and sell].
The Typhoon has been in Royal Air Force service since 2003. Earlier this month, the RAF announced that the type was now operationally capable of carrying out air-to-ground attack missions, in addition to its role as an air-to-air combat platform.
Source – Armed Forces International’s Aviation Expert
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