Leonardo Targets the Philippines with 32 Eurofighter Jets in Historic Bid

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is entering a defining moment in its modernization journey, and the skies of Southeast Asia are about to witness a high-stakes competition.

According to the Sources Leonardo, the European defense giant, has formally offered 32 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 5 jets to meet the PAF’s multirole combat aircraft (MRCA) requirement, marking a historic bid against global heavyweights such as Korea Aerospace Industries’ KF-21, Lockheed Martin’s F-16C/D Block 70, and Saab’s Gripen E/F.

This is more than just a procurement race—it’s a strategic contest to shape the Philippines’ airpower for decades to come. Leonardo is pitching the Typhoon as the first operational twin-engine fighter in the lineup, specifically designed to operate across the Philippine archipelago and meet its unique maritime defense challenges.

The Eurofighter Typhoon (EF-Typhoon) is currently facing challenges in securing new export customers for its fighter jets. The UK production plant is still manufacturing the aircraft, but without confirmed orders, the facility is approaching a potential shutdown.

The Philippines has recently emerged as a potential buyer, offering hope for the program. Turkey has also expressed interest, but objections from some European partners regarding sales to Turkey have complicated matters further. A stable production line is crucial for any aircraft program; without consistent orders, the supply chain risks disruption and production continuity becomes uncertain.

Meanwhile, competitors like the Rafale are actively engaging with allied nations capable of purchasing their jets, putting additional pressure on the EF-Typhoon. To sustain its program, Eurofighter is now seeking new customers, particularly in Asia. Securing such deals could mark a significant milestone for the Typhoon in the coming years.

Eurofighter Typhoon: A Niche but Decisive Force

Eurofighter Typhoon remains one of the most capable multirole fighters in the world. It excels in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and is combat-proven in multiple theaters.

The jet supports a powerful suite of weaponry, including AIM-120 AMRAAM, MBDA Meteor, and IRIS-T missiles. Its supercruise capability allows it to sustain supersonic speeds without afterburners, giving it a distinct performance edge. With long-range maritime patrol, air superiority missions, and deep-strike capabilities against fortified targets, the Typhoon is tailored for nations needing versatile and high-performance air defense solutions.

Government-to-Government Deal and Financing Options

The program is expected to be structured as a government-to-government deal, potentially supported by financing schemes to spread payments over time. Such arrangements not only simplify procurement but also strengthen defense cooperation between the Philippines and European partners.

However, the Eurofighter Typhoon program is facing turbulence back home in the UK. Recent reports confirm that BAE Systems and other UK-based manufacturers have temporarily halted production due to dwindling orders, creating serious concerns about the future of Britain’s combat aircraft industry.

A Historic Dogfight for the Philippines

With the Typhoon’s offer on the table, the PAF faces a high-stakes choice. Each contender brings unique strengths: the KF-21 represents cutting-edge South Korean technology, the F-16 Viper is a proven global workhorse, and the Gripen E/F offers cost-effective performance with advanced avionics.

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