On July 4th, the Italian Ministry of Defense approved a program for the acquisition of 24 new Eurofighter Typhoons for the Italian Air Force. These aircraft may replace the older Tranche 1 Typhoons currently in service with the Italian Air Force, but further details about the characteristics of the new aircraft are not yet known. However, it can be presumed that they will be of the latest available version, featuring new avionics, a new radar, and the capability to interact with so-called loyal wingman drones.
These aircraft will help bridge the gap until the new GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme) fighter enters service.
The aircraft will be produced at the Leonardo facility in Caselle Torinese, near Turin.
The total value of the contract is not yet known, but it is possible to speculate that the $1.3 billion initially allocated for the renewal of the Air Force’s tanker fleet (here is the article on its suspension) will be used for this more urgent acquisition.