Italy to invest 7.5 billion euros in Eurofighter Typhoons
According to Reuters, the Italian Ministry of Defence plans to spend nearly 7.5 billion euros over the next 11 years to purchase 24 Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. Rome also plans to order more than 200 Panther tanks from Germany and 350 Lynx combat vehicles.
As reported by Defense Romania, citing Reuters, Italy's plans are currently at the initial stage of the procurement process. The ministry has only just approached the government for approval to purchase modern Typhoon fighters. The request must now be reviewed by the appropriate committees. The ministry expects a decision to be made by August 13 at the latest.
Italy plans major purchases
Recall that in the context of increasing Italy's defensive and offensive capabilities, the German portal Handelsblatt reported in recent days that Rome plans to place the largest order in its history with the German manufacturer Rheinmetall. It would include over 200 Panther tanks and 350 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles. The estimated cost of this endeavour is around 20 billion euros, with execution expected to take 15 years.
The relevant ministry has just submitted a request to the authorities for approval to purchase the aforementioned Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. This is the first step in the procurement process, which precedes the start of work on the contract. Reuters explains that more details are expected to be released soon.
New Typhoons to replace older designs
The 24 Typhoon aircraft would replace older designs currently in Italy's arsenal. These are to be phased out starting in 2028. It is not known exactly which machines will be replaced, but Defense Romania suspects older Italian Eurofighters.
Recall that Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft are designs whose history dates back to the 1970s. At that time, Europe needed to replace older machines that were no longer competitive with Soviet MiG-29s and Su-27s. The British RAF, therefore, announced the need to build an aircraft initially designated as AST-396. It soon evolved into today's Typhoon. Its first flight took place in March 1994.
This multirole fighter, built in a canard configuration, is powered by two EuroJet EJ200 turbofan engines, which generate 13,000 lbs each (20,200 lbs with afterburner). The Typhoon's wingspan is just under 36 feet, and its length reaches nearly 52 feet with an empty weight of 24,000 pounds. These are parameters somewhat similar to the American F-16 but slightly larger.
The Eurofighter Typhoon accelerates to Mach 2, or about 1,300 mph, while its cruising speed with full armament reaches Mach 1.3 (about 1,000 mph). The aircraft can operate at an altitude of 60,000 feet, and its range is approximately 2,300 miles. The primary armament of the Typhoon is a Mauser BK-27 calibre 27 mm gun. Still, various types of missiles (including AGM-84, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120, Storm Shadow) can be mounted on its hardpoints, as well as intelligent bombs such as Paveway and JDAM.
