Defence

How many weapons does Eurofighter Typhoon will carry?

The Eurofighter Typhoon, a European multinational twin-engine, supersonic, canard delta wing, multirole fighter, is a highly versatile aircraft utilized by several air forces worldwide.

Competing with other advanced fighters like the F16 and the Rafale, the Typhoon stands out with its extensive weapons carrying capabilities, enabling it to perform a broad spectrum of missions ranging from air superiority to ground attack.

In its air-to-air role, the Typhoon can carry an impressive array of missiles. These include the AIM-120 AMRAAM and the MBDA Meteor, which are beyond visual range radar-guided missiles, and the IRIS-T, AIM-132 ASRAAM, and AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles. This diverse selection allows the Typhoon to effectively engage enemy aircraft in both short and long-range scenarios.

For air-to-surface missions, the Typhoon is equipped with a variety of missiles such as the Storm Shadow/Scalp EG, Brimstone, AGM-88 HARM, Taurus KEPD 350, and the SPEAR 3, which is currently in progress.

Additionally, the aircraft is capable of carrying anti-ship missiles like the Marte ER, with the capacity to hold up to six Marte ER missiles on six hardpoints, and the Joint Strike Missile, which is planned for future integration.

The Typhoon’s ground-attack capabilities are further enhanced by its ability to deploy an array of bombs. This includes the Paveway II, III, and Enhanced Paveway series of laser-guided bombs, the 500-lb Paveway IV, and the Small Diameter Bomb, which is planned for its P2E (Phase 2 Enhancement) program.

Furthermore, work began in 2018 to incorporate the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) into its arsenal, with future potential to include the HOPE/HOSBO.

The Typhoon’s versatility in its weaponry is underscored by its adaptability to various mission requirements. Under the Tranche 2, Block 15 Enhanced Operational Capability (EOC) 2 program, the Meteor missile was integrated into the Typhoon’s arsenal, and a similar capability was achieved in the RAF under “Project Centurion.”

This project modified 107 Tranche 2 and 3 Typhoons to use the Meteor along with the Brimstone and Storm Shadow air-to-ground missiles, significantly boosting its combat effectiveness.

Defence

Which Country Has the Largest Fleet of Fighter Aircraft?

Fighter planes are crucial for a country’s defense and military strength. They are designed to engage in aerial combat and protect national airspace. Different nations invest heavily in their air forces, leading to varying numbers of fighter jets.

Among them, the United States stands out as the country with the most fighter planes, boasting a diverse fleet equipped with advanced technology. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the fighter jet inventories of different countries, highlighting the significance of air power in modern warfare.

1. United States

The United States Air Force (USAF) ranks first in the world for the largest air force, boasting a total of 13,209 aircraft. Among these, approximately 1,854 are fighter jets, including iconic models like the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II. These advanced fighters are essential for air dominance and ground support. The USAF’s fleet also includes various attack aircraft, logistical support planes, and helicopters, making it a cornerstone of American military power.

2. Russia

Holding the second position globally, Russia boasts a formidable fleet of 4,255 aircraft, which includes 809 fighter jets and 730 attack planes. The Russian Air Force operates a diverse range of fighters, such as the Su-57 and MiG-29. These jets are designed for air superiority and ground attack missions, reflecting Russia’s commitment to maintaining a formidable aerial presence.

3. China

In the race for air superiority, China comes in second with 3,304 aircraft. Among these, 1,207 are fighters and bombers.The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) operates advanced models like the Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-11, which are crucial for securing Chinese airspace and engaging in regional conflicts.

4. India

India ranks fourth with an impressive total of 2,296 aircraft, including around 606 fighter jets.The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a mix of indigenous and imported fighters, such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Mirage 2000. The IAF plays a vital role in protecting India’s borders and maintaining regional stability.

5. North Korea

South Korea comes in 5th place with a total of 905 aircraft, including approximately 400 fighter jets. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) uses advanced models like the F-15K and KF-21 Boramae, enhancing its ability to counter threats from North Korea and maintain air superiority.

6.North Korea ranks sixth, with a total of 947 aircraft, of which around 400 are fighter jets. The Korean People’s Army Air Force primarily operates older models, such as the MiG-15 and MiG-21, which are used for defense and limited offensive capabilities.

7. Pakistan

Pakistan ranks seventh with 820 aircraft, including around 300 fighter jets. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) operates a mix of fighters, such as the JF-17 Thunder and F-16, which are crucial for national defense and regional security.

8.Egypt: Egypt’s Air Force ranks eighth globally with a fleet of 1,080 aircraft. The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) operates a diverse array of multirole fighters, including the F-16 and Rafale, supported by a robust helicopter fleet. EAF’s ongoing modernization efforts highlight its focus on maintaining regional stability and strengthening its strategic capabilities.
9. Japan

Japan holds the ninth position with the fleet of 1,459 aircraft, underscoring Japan’s focus on air defense and regional security. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) operates advanced fighters like the F-35 and Mitsubishi F-2, focusing on air defense and humanitarian missions.

10. Saudi Arabia

Finally, Saudi Arabia ranks tenth with 690 aircraft, including around 300 fighter jets. The Royal Saudi Air Force operates a fleet that includes advanced models like the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-15, playing a significant role in regional security and operations.