It emerged on the 13^th September 2007 that the Ministry of Defence is looking to avoid completing its purchase of the Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet for the Royal Air Force. To date, 144 examples have been delivered, at £60 million apiece. The UK is committed to purchasing 88 additional Typhoons, regarding which, the MoD is currently involved in discussions with the defence consortium responsible for the aircraft's construction. It is understood that the options now include downsizing the order, putting it off, or cancelling it entirely.

Of the companies involved in the Typhoon project, any such move would be of particular significance to BAE Systems, given that it could abruptly halt the jet fighter's production before its export potential can be reached.

According to the Chief Executive of EADS - Stefan Zeller - the MoD is currently negotiating with it and the other Eurofighter companies in respect of the cost implications of reducing Tranche 3. In this way, the Ministry has requested an individual cost be provided per Typhoon, based on it ordering less than the 88 originally agreed.

According to sources within the defence industry, the Treasury has forbidden the MoD to purchase the remaining Typhoons. The same sources claim that, in a similar way, the Joint Strike Fighter will now not enter Royal Navy service as anticipated.

The MoD is, therefore, understood to be formulating a compromise deal in which the 72 Typhoons likely bound for Saudi Arabia would substitute for the majority of the 88 RAF examples. According, however, to Mr Zeller, Tranche 3 is non-negotiable. "The Saudi order will be on top, not instead of Tranche 3", he stated

As per a BAE spokesman: "The consortium is talking to the British and Italian governments, as they have asked for Tranche 3 options. We are working with the MoD on our long-term partnership."

Meanwhile, a spokesman from the MoD said: "Discussions between the partner nations and industry on Tranche 3 are at an early stage and will continue throughout the rest of this year."

The deal with Saudi Arabia is expected to be finalised imminently, after the UK government issued a contract to the Arab nation several days ago. Armed Forces International will provide the latest coverage of this as we get the facts.

Source - Armed Forces International's Aviation Expert

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Further Resources:

Eurofighter GmBH Company Information Page