Kuwait has signed an agreement with Italy to purchase 28 Eurofighter Typhoon swing-role combat aircraft, strengthening the country’s military capabilities.
Under this new deal, Kuwait is expected to receive 22 single-side jets and six dual-seat aircraft.
Eurofighter CEO Alberto Gutierrez said: "This new agreement is the confirmation of the superiority of the Eurofighter over its competitors and will provide a great opportunity for further Eurofighter orders.
"We are delighted to welcome Kuwait as the newest member of our Eurofighter Typhoon family. The Eurofighter is already proven and trusted by six nations to perform in all operational environments."
Eurofighter Typhoon is a foreplane / delta wing aircraft featuring modern avionics and sensors, defensive aids sub system (DASS) and distinct weapons, such as Mauser BK-27 27mm cannon, air-to-air, air-to-surface and anti-ship missiles and precision-guided munitions.
Built by a consortium of Finmeccanica, Airbus Group and BAE Systems, the aircraft’s development is Europe’s largest multinational military collaborative effort managed by the Nato Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA).
The founding countries of Eurofighter include Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.
Entered into service in 2003, a total of 444 aircraft have been delivered to six nations such Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Austria and Saudi Arabia. In the Middle East, Oman also ordered 12 aircraft in December 2012.
For the last two years, Kuwait has been evaluating options to replace its fleet of 39 older-model Boeing F/A-18 Hornet jets.
Among other options, Kuwait had reportedly considered acquiring Super Hornet advanced fighter jets from Boeing.
With this new development, the Eurofighter Typhoon will have a total order for 599 aircraft.
Image: Kuwait will be the third Middle East country to purchase Eurofighter Typhoon after Saudi Arabia and Oman. Photo: courtesy of Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH.
