Germany’s First Quadriga Eurofighter Takes Maiden Flight

The German Air Force’s (Luftwaffe) first Tranche 4 Eurofighter EF-2000 aircraft under Project Quadriga has completed its maiden flight at Airbus' Military Aircraft Centre in Manching, Germany. 

Berlin ordered a total of 38 Tranche 4 Eurofighters in November 2020. The fleet comprises 30 single-seat fighters and eight two-seat trainers, intended to replace the Luftwaffe’s retiring Tranche 1 Eurofighters, Janes reported.

Airbus said the first aircraft remains on track for delivery to the Luftwaffe later this year, with the entire 38-unit fleet expected to complete delivery by 2030.

This milestone, together with Germany's order for 20 additional Tranche 5 Eurofighters in 2025, reinforces the Luftwaffe's long-term fighter modernization plans at a time when the cancellation of the Franco-German Future Combat Air System has cast uncertainty over Europe's next-generation combat aircraft ambitions.

The combined orders will bring Germany's planned acquisition to 58 new-build Eurofighters.

Tranche 4 Eurofighters feature a primary upgrade of the integration of the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mark 1, an active electronically scanned array radar system.

This capability significantly improves target detection, multi-track capability, and electronic warfare resilience compared to older models.

The fighters are expected to eventually carry the Taurus KEPD 350 long-range stand-off cruise missile, according to Defence Blog, which are also deployed on the German Panavia Tornado IDS fighter-bombers. 

Developed by a joint venture between MBDA Deutschland and Saab — TAURUS Systems GmbH — the Taurus KEPD is designed for precision strikes against highly fortified, deeply buried, and stationary targets.