In a significant development for the aerospace industry, BAE Systems has confirmed that the Eurofighter Typhoon production line remains robust, with commitments extending up to the commencement of assembly for the new sixth-generation stealth aircraft under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Production Continuity and New Orders
BAE Systems’ CEO, Charles Woodburn, recently highlighted the continuity in production, stating, “The good news is that we now have production requirements all the way through to when we start doing final assembly of a GCAP capability, which is important.” This assurance follows a series of orders from Spain, Italy, and Germany, with Turkey joining as a new customer in October. Deliveries are anticipated to continue into the mid-2030s.
The Eurofighter consortium, comprising Airbus, BAE, and Leonardo, announced plans in June 2025 to enhance production, aiming to manufacture 20 jets annually by mid-2028, up from the current 14, with further increases projected. Woodburn emphasized the strategy to potentially double production rates, citing Turkey’s inclusion as a significant step forward and noting potential for additional orders.
Manufacturing Collaboration and Capabilities
In terms of production roles, BAE produces the front fuselage and vertical stabilizer, Airbus is responsible for the center fuselage and right-hand wing, while Leonardo manufactures the left wing. Both BAE and Leonardo contribute to the rear fuselage.
Woodburn noted opportunities for Eurofighter in both support and new sales, with potential for new European orders. He praised the aircraft’s capabilities, particularly with the integration of MBDA’s advanced missile systems, including the Meteor and Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Turkey’s acquisition of the Meteor raised concerns in Greece earlier in 2025.
Progress in the Global Combat Air Programme
The GCAP, a collaboration between the UK, Italy, and Japan, aims for its next-generation combat aircraft to enter service by 2035. Woodburn expressed satisfaction with the program’s progress and the strength of the partnership. When questioned about the potential for Airbus joining GCAP, should the French-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System face setbacks, Woodburn deferred to the decision-making power of the involved governments.
Business Growth and Strategic Outlook
Europe has emerged as a critical market for BAE, with 2025 sales in the region increasing by 28%, outpacing the company’s overall growth of 8%. The European market accounted for 32% of BAE’s order book by the end of December, with expectations for substantial growth over the next five years. BAE anticipates benefiting from increased defense spending in Europe, leveraging its local businesses and partnerships, including collaborations with companies like PGZ in Poland, supported by the EU’s defense loans program.
Woodburn articulated BAE’s strategic outlook, stating, “In our order outlook, we’re expecting significant growth in Europe, and it’s a combination of selling in from our UK business, but very importantly, strongly enhanced by our footprint already within Europe, and specifically the EU.”
