UK axes plans to send Typhoon jets to Ukraine amid limitations
The United Kingdom will not transfer Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1 jets to Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express. London made this decision due to the limited combat capabilities of the Typhoons.
The United Kingdom has decided to withdraw Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1 jets from service. As reported by Defense Express, these aircraft will not be transferred to Ukraine, despite earlier speculations. London’s decision is due to the limited combat capabilities and technical condition of these aircraft.
The future of Eurofighter Tranche 1
According to Defense Express, out of the 49 Tranche 1 fighters, 17 have already been withdrawn, and 11 are in storage. One will be scrapped soon, and 10 will be dismantled for spare parts. Four aircraft will be used for technical training, and only two may be sold abroad.
Limited combat capabilities
The Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1, delivered since 2002, has limited combat capabilities compared to newer versions. Although they have been upgraded to Block 5, their combat value is questionable. Modernizing to newer versions proved too costly, discouraging the British from further investment. Defense Express also points out that the fact that only two of the 49 fighters can be sold shows how limited their combat value is.
It should be clarified that the Eurofighter Typhoon is a versatile fighter jet developed through the collaboration of Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. Its design features delta wings and a canard configuration. This uncommon solution has gained popularity only in recent decades, providing excellent manoeuvrability at both low and high speeds, including supersonic.
Equipped with two engines, the Eurofighter Typhoon can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2, or approximately 2,448 kilometres per hour. Furthermore, it can maintain supersonic flight without using afterburners, reaching Mach 1.2 (about 1,470 kilometres per hour).
The Eurofighter Typhoon can carry a wide range of weaponry on 13 pylons, which together can hold over 9,000 kilograms of payload. Among the available weapon options are medium-range air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM and MBDA Meteor, short-range missiles like IRIS-T, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-132 ASRAAM, anti-tank missiles Brimstone, guided bombs from the Paveway or JDAM/ER family, and TAURUS KEPD 350 cruise missiles.
