Eurofighter programme makes “significant contribution” to European economies

Apr 10, 2024 - 3:30 pm

An independent report published today by PwC’s Strategy& unit details the four-nation Eurofighter Typhoon’s contribution to European economies.

The report examines development, production, and support activities in the four Eurofighter Typhoon partner nations: United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Spain.

The “base scenario” takes into account orders for new Eurofighter Typhoons from Spain (Halcon I and II) and Germany (Quadriga). This scenario shows that, for the next decade, the programme is set to contribute €58 billion to the GDP of the four core nations’ economies; generate tax revenues of €14 billion for the respective governments; and support 62,700 jobs annually.

Those numbers increase significantly in the report’s “growth scenario” with opportunities for sales of approximately 200 Eurofighter Typhoons on the domestic and export market.

This scenario shows, for the next decade, a programme contribution of €90 billion to GDP; tax revenues of €22 billion generated; and more than 98,000 jobs each year. The benefit of future export opportunities would mean that around 30 per cent of the core nation investment would return as tax revenues.

Giancarlo Mezzanatto, chief executive at Eurofighter Typhoon, said: “The vital role that the Typhoon performs to keep Europe’s skies safe is widely known to all, however people are often less aware about the incredible economic benefits that the programme also brings.

“The Eurofighter Typhoon programme directly boosts European economies and supports tens of thousands of crucial aerospace jobs – benefiting the communities where we live and work. There is also significant spill over in regions where Eurofighter production lines are located and where the programme often sustains SMEs, start-ups and educational institutions.”

Additional data published in the strategy& report shows that through the whole operational life of a single Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, the contribution to the four core nations is €407 million of GDP and €100 million of taxes.

Mezzanatto continued: “The Eurofighter Typhoon programme has more than 400 suppliers and contractors, who play a crucial role in providing R&D, design, production and in-service support.

“Continuous investment in the programme will not only keep the aircraft operationally effective and build a stronger aerospace defence industry in the decades to come but is an essential enabler for the development of the next-generation combat air system in Europe.”
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