MADRID – The production of Eurofighter jets in Spain is set to create an estimated 26,000 jobs, thanks to two agreements signed for the manufacture of these NATO combat aircraft. These deals are expected to contribute a remarkable €1.7 billion to the Spanish GDP.
According to a recent study by PwC, financed by Airbus, the Eurofighter program will generate an average of around 657 jobs per year until 2060, when the contracts expire. The research was conducted over the past six months. Airbus is part of a consortium of aviation companies responsible for the development of these new fighter jets.
The majority of the jobs will be created in the regions of Madrid, Basque Country, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalucia. These positions will primarily involve maintenance services required well beyond the production phase and until the end of the contracts.
In addition to the significant boost to the Spanish GDP, the signed contracts will generate €430 million in tax revenue. A further €151 million will come from direct contributions.
38 Eurofighter Jets for the German Air Force
The first contract, signed in 2020, is part of the Quadriga program. This includes the production of 38 Eurofighter jets for the German Air Force.
The second contract, signed in 2022, is part of the Halcon program, which will replace Spain’s ageing F-18 combat aircraft with twenty new Eurofighter jets. This brings the total number of Spanish Eurofighter aircraft to 90.
NATO Partners Strengthen Defence Capabilities
These and other contracts are part of a strategic collaboration between European NATO partners to enhance their defence capabilities. This is currently a top priority in Europe, given the ongoing war in Ukraine and the potential for further escalation of Russian aggression on NATO territory.
Weapons for Ukraine
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, NATO countries have been supplying weapons to the country. The British Ministry of Defence is currently considering donating new Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft to Eastern European NATO allies as a replacement for their outdated Soviet-era MiG-29 aircraft. These aircraft could potentially be provided to the Ukrainian military.
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