Typhoons for RAF

The government has announced that it will purchase a third batch of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft- a project that is expected to sustain around 16,000 jobs in the UK.

The NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) is in the final stages of procuring the multi-role combat aircraft.

The Typhoon is expected to provide the RAF with additional capacity to undertake operations such as air policing, peace support and high- intensity conflict.

The first production aircraft will be deployed initially as air superiority fighters, and will later be equipped with a ground attack capability.

Gordon Brown said: ‘I am pleased that we are moving forward with this important programme with our partner nations.

'This will strengthen Britain's defence capability, and will create new jobs in advanced manufacturing that Britain needs to emerge stronger and fitter from this global downturn.’

Defence secretary, John Hutton, added: ‘We look forward to receiving an affordable bid from European industry that will allow us to proceed with a programme that will deliver advanced multi-role aircraft to the Royal Air Force, and maintain high-technology skills and industrial capability across the UK and Europe.