The inaugural Eurofighter Typhoons for the Kuwaiti Air Force arrived in the country today. These represent the initial two Typhoons as part of a broader contract for a total of 28 aircraft set to be supplied to the Kuwait Air Force.
The Eurofighter Typhoon for the Kuwait Air Force boasts a diverse array of operational capabilities, designed by Leonardo to meet the specific requirements set forth by the Kuwaiti Air Force.
Leonardo accounts for approximately 36% of the total value of the programme, holding a pivotal role in both aeronautical components and onboard electronics. The company also significantly contributes to the advancement of the Eurofighter through the cutting-edge AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, enhancing the performance and competitiveness of Kuwait’s Eurofighter Typhoons.
“This is a remarkable achievement for Italy, showcasing the success of Italian technology on the global stage and a vital step in fortifying the position of Italian industry internationally. Defence sectors act as a catalyst for the advancement of innovative and increasingly sophisticated technological solutions,” stated Italian Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini following the delivery of Kuwait’s first two Eurofighter Typhoons. These aircraft mark the beginning of a larger order encompassing 28 aircraft for the Kuwait Air Force. The delivery aligns with a notably significant year for both nations, as 2021 marks the 60th anniversary of Italian-Kuwaiti diplomatic relations.
Alessandro Profumo, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo, noted: “The Eurofighter Typhoons we have engineered and manufactured for the Kuwait Air Force represent the pinnacle of the European programme’s history. We are equipping the nation with an impressive aerial defence capability. Collaborating with the Italian Air Force, we have trained their pilots at our training facilities in Italy and established state-of-the-art infrastructures to support a fleet of 28 aircraft. The milestones celebrated today are the result of effective collaboration between our two nations, where Institutions, Armed Forces, and Industry have worked together in harmony.”
The transit flight for the initial two Kuwaiti Eurofighters was facilitated thanks to the indispensable support from the Italian Air Force, which ensured the “Air to Air Refueling trail.” This was accomplished through a sophisticated operational engagement involving two KC-767 tankers from the Pratica di Mare 14th Squadron and two Eurofighters from the Grosseto 4th Squadron, which escorted the two Kuwaiti Air Force aircraft.
There are numerous international cooperation initiatives between the Italian Air Force and Kuwait, including training and skill development programs at the Air Force’s facilities. These encompass the training of Kuwaiti cadet pilots to acquire their military pilots’ licenses, advanced training for operational conversion on the Eurofighter at the 20th Group of the 4th Squadron in Grosseto, and the training of aircraft maintainers for the same model. Moreover, alongside Leonardo Test Pilots, instructors from the Italian Air Force will assist in the initial training of Kuwaiti pilots and the operational conversion unit (OCU) development at Al Salem base.
The Eurofighter aircraft is supported by a well-structured program of technological upgrades and enhancements that ensures its competitiveness throughout its entire lifecycle. Continuously evolving technologies, both onboard the aircraft and in logistical support contexts, bolster its operational effectiveness, survivability, and efficient management. The Eurofighter programme stands as a cornerstone in advancing European aerospace and defence technologies, providing participating industries with technological leadership to ensure competitiveness for upcoming next-generation programmes.
The Eurofighter programme is administered by the Eurofighter GmbH consortium, located in Munich, Germany, and owned by Leonardo, BAE Systems, and Airbus Defense & Space for Germany and Spain. On the government side, the programme is overseen by the NATO Eurofighter & Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), established to address the procurement needs of the air forces from the four partner nations: Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain.
In addition to the four partner countries, which have already ordered 510 Typhoons, international clients now include Saudi Arabia (72 aircraft), Austria (15), Oman (12), Kuwait (28), and Qatar (24), totaling 661 ordered aircraft.
Regarding employment, the Eurofighter programme involves over 100,000 personnel across Europe; more than 20,000 are situated in Italy (including direct, indirect, and induced employment). Over 400 suppliers contribute to the Typhoon, with 200 based in Italy.
