The Eurofighter Typhoon fleet has surpassed one million flying hours.
The achievement was confirmed by Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH after data was compiled by the programme’s International Weapon System Support Centre (IWSSC). Alongside the aircraft milestone, the EJ200 engine has now exceeded two million flying hours, with each Typhoon powered by two engines.
The programme currently includes 769 aircraft ordered by ten air forces, with Eurofighter stating that further core-nation and export contracts are expected in the future.
Jorge Tamarit-Degenhardt, Chief Executive Officer of Eurofighter, said the milestone reflected decades of sustained multinational effort. “One million flying hours is a truly historic milestone that reflects three decades of teamwork, innovation, and commitment from thousands of people across Europe,” he said.
“It underscores the Typhoon’s enduring performance, adaptability, and vital role in today’s complex global security landscape.” He added that the achievement demonstrated the confidence placed in the platform by partner nations and export customers. “The million flying hours achievement illustrates the deep trust placed in our programme and jet by our partner nations and export customers. It also reflects the outstanding professionalism of the Typhoon pilots, engineers, and technicians who operate and support it every single day.”
Tamarit-Degenhardt said the aircraft remained central to allied air defence.
“For those involved in the programme — past and present — this is a moment of pride and a reminder that Eurofighter is not only a symbol of European technological excellence, but also of long-term international collaboration.”
“The Eurofighter Typhoon is recognised globally as a cornerstone of NATO and allied air defence, fully interoperable and adaptable to a wide range of mission requirements.”
According to Eurofighter, around 80 percent of operational air missions flown by the programme’s four core nations are conducted using Typhoon aircraft, highlighting its role as the backbone of European fast jet operations. The aircraft continues to conduct daily missions across Europe and the Middle East, including air policing, joint patrols, combat operations and Quick Reaction Alert duties.
Air Vice Marshal Simon Ellard (ret.), General Manager of the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), described the milestone as a reflection of sustained operational reliability. “Reaching one million flying hours is a powerful testament to the Eurofighter’s performance and reliability,” he said.
“Behind each of these flying hours is a remarkable and dedicated group of people who ensure that the Eurofighter keeps us safe and remains the world’s most advanced multi-role combat aircraft.” Ellard said the milestone underscored the wider significance of the programme. “This historic milestone highlights the success of Europe’s largest defence collaboration programme and I congratulate everybody involved in this fantastic achievement.”
Engine manufacturer Eurojet Turbo GmbH also marked the milestone, with its EJ200 engine reaching two million flying hours across the fleet.
Ralf Breiling, Chief Executive Officer of Eurojet Turbo GmbH, said the parallel achievements reflected the maturity of the aircraft and propulsion system. “Reaching two million flying hours is a proud and exciting moment for the EJ200 engine and everyone behind it,” he said.
“Alongside the Typhoon aircraft surpassing one million flying hours, these milestones celebrate the hard work, passion, and technical excellence of our teams, the strength of our partnerships, and the trust our customers place in both the engine and the Typhoon aircraft.” He added that the milestone demonstrated long-term confidence in the platform. “It is a powerful endorsement of the engine’s reliability and performance, and we look forward to building on this success as the EJ200 continues to power the Typhoon for many years to come.”
The Eurofighter programme supports more than 100,000 jobs across approximately 400 companies throughout Europe, making it the continent’s largest defence industrial collaboration and a central pillar of Europe’s combat air capability.
With the tangerine toddler throwing his dummy out the pram and Saudi now looking at F35 I am very much hoping the UK buys more Typhoons.
While Fat Amy is clearly the best war machine for day one operations and SEAD and she has the ability to fly off the carriers or use very short runways, it is proving too difficult and expensive to role out further beyond the niche capabilities.
A force of 75 F35B is probably all that is required.
The new tranche 5 Typhoon with the Mk2 AESA radar armed with STRATUS RS missile can probably take out any air defence in the world. For an opponent having to face not only stealthy F35B armed with SPEAR 3 but also big and loud Typhoons carrying out jamming missions and armed with STRATUS RS will be a daunting task. The combination is probably better than what either platform can achieve on its own. Stealthy assassin and a big loud missile truck.
Meanwhile for countering Russia in the air and providing air defence for the UK, Typhoon is the superior machine. Keeping continuous production at Warton is also vital.