The handover of BS040 to the Royal Air Force today marks the beginning of Tranche 2 aircraft deliveries  to the four partner air forces. The other three air forces will start receiving their aircraft in near term.

Tranche 2 consists of 251 aircraft for the air forces of Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom plus 72 aircraft for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Germany will receive 79 aircraft, Italy a total of 47, Spain will take 34 aircraft and the United Kingdom shall receive 91 Eurofighter Typhoon in Tranche 2.

Eurofighter Typhoon is the world's most advanced new generation multi-role/swing-role combat aircraft available on the market and has been ordered by six nations (Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Austria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). With 707 aircraft under contract, it is Europe's largest military collaborative programme and delivers leading-edge technology, strengthening Europe's aerospace industry in the global competition. More than 100,000 jobs in 400 companies are secured by the programme. Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH manages the programme on behalf of the Eurofighter Partner Companies Alenia Finmeccanica, BAE Systems, EADS CASA and EADS Deutschland, Europe's foremost aerospace companies with a total turnover of €60.7 billion (2006).