Italy to spend $37 billion on new jets, tanks, and combat vehicles
According to Reuters, the Italian Ministry of Defence plans to spend nearly 10 billion CAD over the next 11 years to purchase 24 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Rome also plans to order over 200 Panther tanks from Germany and 350 Lynx combat vehicles.
As reported by the Defence Romania portal, which cites Reuters, Italy's plans are currently in the early stages of the procurement process. The local Ministry of Defence has just approached the government for approval to purchase the modern Typhoon fighters. The relevant committees must now review the request. The ministry expects the decision to be made by August 13 at the latest.
Italy plans major purchases
It's important to recall that in the context of increasing Italy's defensive and offensive capabilities, the German portal Handelsblatt recently reported that Rome plans to place its largest order in history with the German manufacturer Rheinmetall. This would include over 200 Panther tanks and 350 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles. The estimated cost of this endeavour is around 27 billion CAD, and the implementation is expected to take 15 years.
Regarding the purchase of the aforementioned Eurofighter Typhoon jets, the appropriate ministry has just submitted a request to the authorities for approval to buy the aircraft – this is the first step in the procurement process, preceding the start of work on the agreement. Reuters explains that more details will soon be released to the public.
New typhoons will replace older models
The 24 Typhoon jets are expected to replace older models currently in Italy's arsenal. These are set to be retired starting in 2028. It is not known which specific machines will be replaced, but Defence Romania speculates they may be the older Italian Eurofighters.
Let's remember that the Eurofighter Typhoon jets have a history dating back to the 1970s. At that time, Europe needed to replace older aircraft that were no longer competitive with Soviet MiG-29s and Su-27s. The British RAF thus announced the need to develop a new aircraft, initially designated AST-396, which eventually evolved into today's Typhoon. Its first flight took place in March 1994.
This multi-role fighter, built in a canard configuration, is powered by two EuroJet EJ200 turbofan engines, each generating a thrust of 13,500 lbs (20,230 lbs with afterburner). The Typhoon's wingspan is just under 36 feet, while its length reaches nearly 52 feet, and its empty weight is about 24,250 lbs. These parameters are somewhat similar to the American F-16, but slightly larger.
The Eurofighter Typhoon can accelerate to Mach 2, around 2100 km/h, while its cruising speed with full armament reaches Mach 1.3 (about 1600 km/h). The aircraft can operate at an altitude of 60,000 feet, and its range is approximately 2,300 miles. The primary weapon of the Typhoon is the Mauser BK-27 cannon with a 27 mm calibre. Still, various types of missiles (e.g., AGM-84, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120, Storm Shadow) and intelligent bombs such as Paveway and JDAM can also be mounted on its towers.
