On May 14, 2024, Gareth Jennings, the Aviation Desk Editor at Jane’s, reported that a BAE Systems spokesperson confirmed earlier speculations regarding the expansion of the Italian Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. Italy is reportedly considering the addition of 24 more Typhoon multirole fighters to its fleet.
The purpose is to replace the 28 Tranche 1 aircraft, deemed less capable than those of Tranches 2 and 3A. The new Eurofighters will be similar to those of Tranche 4+ or even the anticipated Tranche 5, envisioned by Spain’s Halcon II program. Tranche 4+ notably introduces the European Common Radar System Mark 1 (ECRS Mk1), an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, while Tranche 5 will add even more sophisticated elements with components from the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) package.
The LTE includes several enhancements: upgrades to the Eurojet EJ200 engine, a revised mission system architecture, advanced defensive aids, a modernized cockpit with a large touchscreen, and new adaptive power and cooling technologies. These improvements will allow the integration of high-tech armaments, enhance connectivity, and bring structural changes that will increase the aircraft’s aerodynamics and maneuverability.