Eurofighter Typhoon to Be Upgraded With Aerodynamic Enhancement Kit
Eurofighter and NATO’s Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) have signed a contract to develop, test, and certify an Aerodynamic Modification Kit (AMK) for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet.
The AMK will allow faster integration and certification of new weapons and external stores, enhancing the aircraft’s overall combat effectiveness.
According to Eurofighter, the kit will support the future integration of anti-radiation missiles, enabling the suppression and destruction of enemy air defense radar systems.
For core customer nations adopting the AMK configuration, additional capabilities will include the integration of advanced air-to-ground weapons and air-to-air missiles, as well as the future incorporation of the latest-generation standoff missiles.
The German Air Force aims to equip its Eurofighter fleet with the Taurus Neo long-range cruise missile and the GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition by 2028, while the Eurofighter EK SEAD variant will integrate the AGM-88E Anti-Radiation Guided Missile, with operational capability planned for 2029–2030.
Keeping Eurofighter Relevant
Eurofighter partners Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo will jointly develop and produce the AMK, reinforcing the technological expertise and industrial base of the European aerospace sector.
“Signing the AMK contract marks a major milestone for the Eurofighter programme, further enhancing the jet’s long-term capability,” Eurofighter CEO Jorge Tamarit-Degenhardt said.
“The AMK will provide a huge boost to our air forces during their missions, significantly enhancing the integration of air-to-surface configurations and offering greater flexibility in stores carriage, while supporting flight performance.
“The Eurofighter Typhoon will continue to be the backbone of European air defence into the 2060s, and capability enhancements, such as the AMK, will ensure the platform is operationally effective to fulfil that role.”
Aerodynamic Modification Kit
The AMK incorporates leading edge root extensions, extended fuselage strakes, and enlarged flaperons, supported by flight control system and avionics software upgrades.
The package improves close-in air combat performance, particularly in high-agility and low-speed engagement scenarios.
The modification increases maximum wing lift by approximately 25 percent, delivering higher turn rates, a tighter turning radius, and improved nose-pointing capability at low speeds, enabling faster weapon engagement, according to Defense Archives.
Flight trials have reportedly demonstrated major performance gains, including angle-of-attack limits up to 45 percent higher, roll rates up to 100 percent greater, and an increase in maximum take-off weight by several hundred kilograms, boosting payload capacity and mission flexibility.
Eurofighter stated that these enhancements are achieved while fully preserving the Typhoon’s flight envelope, maneuverability, and survivability.
