European fighter aircraft: Eurofighter, Rafale and Gripen compared

Europe is facing a generational change in air combat technology. Multirole jets such as Eurofighter, Rafale and Gripen shape the capabilities of NATO partners and export-oriented nations. We trace the development paths, technical features and economic effects of these European fighter aircraft. 

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The German-British-Italian-Spanish core project: Eurofighter Typhoon

Origin and significance

The Eurofighter Typhoon was developed from the end of the 1980s onward as a multinational project by Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain. Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH coordinates the program, while Eurojet Turbo GmbH is responsible for engine development. The significance of the program was shown among other things. when the German government ordered 38 new aircraft in the order referred to as "Quadriga." Airbus will assemble aircraft at the Manching site. According to Airbus, the new lot strengthens Germany's air defense and serves as a technological bridge to the future Future Combat Air System (FCAS) .

Economic impact and industrial network

A study commissioned by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) quantifies the economic effects of the Eurofighter procurement. According to the study, the production of Quadriga creates more than 7,800 highly qualified jobs in Germany at peak times and secures around 25,000 jobs annually across the entire value chain. In total, more than 400 companies are involved in the program.

The economic benefit goes far beyond production: By 2060, Quadriga generates a contribution of 6.457 billion € to German gross domestic product and 3.622 billion € in tax revenues, which according to the BDLI study amortizes around 66 % of the acquisition costs. Airbus emphasizes that the program secures more than 100,000 jobs across Europe - of which 25,000 are in Germany.

Technological features and engine

The Eurofighter is designed as a multirole combat aircraft: The delta-shaped wing with canard foreplanes gives it high maneuverability, and thanks to modern mission computers and sensors it can perform air superiority, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance tasks. In the lot size ordered in 2025, the jets receive an E-Scan radar with electronic beam steering as well as probably the Praetorian DASS system.

The propulsion is provided by the EJ200 engine, developed by a consortium of MTU Aero Engines, Rolls‑Royce, Avio Aero and ITP Aero. The four partners have now delivered more than 1,500 EJ200 engines. According to MTU, the unit delivers around 60 kN dry / ~90 kN with afterburner per engine, uses lightweight blisks in six compressor stages and is distinguished by an outstanding thrust‑to‑weight ratio. Pilots value the strong acceleration and easy handling; the failure rate is below one incident per 1,000 flight hours. Many engines reach almost 2,000 flight hours without major repairs.

Role in defense

With around 740 ordered units, the Eurofighter is the most successful European fighter aircraft program. It forms the backbone of the air forces of Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain and also serves Austria, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. The German Eurofighters are to remain in service at least into the 2060s and from 2040 onward, as part of FCAS, operate together with manned and unmanned systems.

The French omnirole fighter: Dassault Rafale

Development and deployment

The Rafale originated as a purely French project after France withdrew from the Eurofighter consortium at the beginning of the 1980s. The twin-engine delta-canard fighter was developed by Dassault Aviation and entered service in 2001 with the Armée de l’Air as well as with the Marine Nationale. The aircraft is distinguished by its versatility (“omnirole”) and covers the entire mission spectrum with air superiority, air-to-ground, reconnaissance and nuclear roles.

Radar and sensors

The centerpiece of the sensor suite is the RBE2 radar (Radar à Balayage Électronique 2 plans). The portal radartutorial.eu describes the RBE2 as an X-band multifunction radar for fighter aircraft. The original version used a passive phased-array antenna; the improved RBE2-AA variant has an active phased-array antenna with several hundred T/R modules . The radar was developed specifically for the Dassault Rafale in the 1990s and enables air-to-air and air-to-ground modes as well as high-performance air situation pictures.

Propulsion and armament

The Rafale is powered by two Snecma M88 engines, whose development was primarily carried out by Safran. The M88 each provide around 75 kN of thrust with afterburner. Its armament includes air-launched guided missiles (MICA, Meteor), precision-guided bombs (AASM “Hammer”) and SCALP/EG cruise missiles.

Industrial policy significance

Although France carried the program alone, the Rafale is now being exported (including to Egypt, Qatar, India, Greece and Croatia). For Europe, the Rafale is important because it demonstrates France's technological sovereignty and, compared with US jets, constitutes an independent European alternative. The introduction of the Meteor air-to-air guided missile (see below) increases its range in air combat.

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The Swedish light fighter: Saab Gripen

Concept and capabilities

The Saab Gripen is designed as a light multirole fighter. It combines high maneuverability, low operating costs and modern avionics. In the German-language overview for the Austrian market, Saab emphasizes that the Gripen has a state-of-the-art radar, supersonic speed for air policing service, all-weather-capable weapons (short- and long-range) as well as a comprehensive self-protection system.

A unique feature is the tactical fighter-to-fighter data link system (TIDLS). It transmits information on fuel status, sensor and mission data to the aircraft involved and exchanges this in real time. This creates comprehensive situational awareness and information superiority for the pilot.

Operation and infrastructure

According to Saab, introducing the Gripen requires minimal infrastructure effort. Existing bases only need to be adapted slightly, and the retraining of pilots can take place in a short time. Cooperations with the Swedish Air Force ensure that customers can in some cases achieve full operational capability around two years after the contract is signed.

Industrial partnerships

Saab emphasizes that the Gripen system strengthens industrial sites in the buyer country. Local partners receive contracts for maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), and this creates knowledge transfer and job growth.

Three fighter jets - three philosophies

The European fighter aircraft Eurofighter, Rafale and Gripen represent different philosophies. The Eurofighter, as a joint project, strengthens European industry and involves numerous companies. The Rafale demonstrates French sovereignty and is technologically leading thanks to its AESA radar technology. The Gripen stands for scalability and cost-effectiveness. Together with the Meteor air-to-air missile, they secure Europe's ability to act in aerial combat and form the basis for the next chapter of the European aviation industry.

Panavia Tornado - the European pioneer

The Tornado developed by Germany, Great Britain and Italy was one of the largest European military cooperations. Panavia emphasizes that, with more than 950 examples built, the Tornado remains one of the largest European aviation programs.

The weapons system was developed to combine flexibility, striking power and rapid response. In a single airframe, the Tornado unites full deterrence capability. According to Panavia, the program was only possible through the close cooperation of the three nations; its success and longevity are based on comprehensive planning that took changing customer requirements into account and was founded on solid engineering and project work.

Technical key data for the IDS/Recce/ECR version according to Panavia: length 16.72 m, wingspan (extended) 13.90 m, empty weight 14 100 kg, maximum weapons load 9 000 kg, top speed Mach 2.2, combat radius 1 390 km, ferry range 3 890 km.

After nearly 50 years of service, the Tornado is being phased out in Germany and Italy; as a two-seat “workhorse,” however, it remains relevant for the time being, especially in the role of fighter-bomber and SEAD platform.

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