Eurofighter Marks Type Acceptance and Tranche 2 Framework Agreement 08 July 2003
Today, Eurofighter GmbH finalised the signature of Type Acceptance documentation for the Eurofighter Typhoon. The Type Acceptance signature is the final stage in clearance by the four-nation customer organization, NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency – NETMA, that will allow the delivery process for the Eurofighter Typhoon to commence with the four partner countries in Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Type Acceptance took place in Manching, Germany, and was attended by Senior representatives from the Eurofighter Partner Governments, Air Forces, Procurement Authorities and Industry.
Type Acceptance is a historic milestone for the Eurofighter programme. Eurofighter Typhoon is Europe’s largest collaborative industrial programme covering 620 aircraft (with options for a further 90 aircraft) undertaken by the core defence and aerospace industries in Germany – EADS-Deutschland, Italy – Alenia Aeronautica, Spain – EADS-CASA, United Kingdom – BAE SYSTEMS. At the same time Eurofighter supports a European industrial base of over 400 companies representing some 120,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next 25 years.
Type Acceptance marks the start of the operational life of Eurofighter Typhoon. The Partner Air Forces will now begin to receive aircraft and undertake a process of training and conversion that will allow the Weapon System to be fully integrated in to their respective air forces. Folowing Type Acceptance the Partner Air Forces can now begin the task of unlocking the true operational potential of the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System.
Eurofighter Typhoon will be at the heart of NATO and European airpower well in to the 21st Century.
A second important event concluded today is the signature of a Framework Agreement covering Future Phases of the Eurofighter Typhoon Programme. The Framework Aggreement is the first concrete step produced by the recently launched Tranche 2 Fast Track Negotiations. The Framework Agreement sets out a clear route forward for negotiations and the signature of contracts that will culminate in the signature of the Tranche 2 production contract at the end of 2003.
The Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 2 contract covers 236 aircraft that will embody an array of enhanced capabilities that will extend the capability of the Weapon System. At the same time it will provide the hardware and software infrastructure for the integration of a host of new air and ground weapons and systems.
Commenting on events Filippo Bagnato, CEO Eurofighter GmbH stated: ‘Type Acceptance is a door to the future for the Euroepan industry and our air forces. We have an outstanding product that will be fully matched to the new security environment. We must now concentrate our efforts in guaranteeing the satisfaction of our customers and provide the capabilites they require for the future through the mechanism of the Framework Agreement for Tranche 2.’
Commenting on behalf of NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency – NETMA, General Emilio Poyo Guerrero stated: ‘I welcome this important milestone in the Eurofighter programme, We now have a clear way forward for the delivery of the first aircraft to the Partner Air Forces. This will repesent a available on request.step change in capability for thier future operations.’
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July 11, 2003 at 1:40 am