Ministry of Defence
The Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has welcomed Kuwait to the Eurofighter Typhoon family after the State became the eighth country to invest in this world-beating, battle proven, multi-role combat aircraft. The purchase will further strengthen the enduring bilateral defence relationship between Kuwait and the UK.
The Typhoon programme currently sustains around 5,500 jobs at BAE Systems in the north-west, where key elements of the Typhoon are manufactured and assembled, as well as many thousands of jobs across the wider supply chain, reaffirming the UK as a leading aerospace manufacturer. The contract between the State of Kuwait, Finmeccannica and the Italian government will further boost UK exports.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
This is very positive news. The UK and Kuwait enjoy a long, historic and close relationship. Kuwaits decision to select Typhoon represents a vote of confidence in this world class aircraft and will further strengthen our defence and security cooperation over the years ahead.
This is also very positive for jobs across the British aerospace and defence industry. Typhoon aircraft have already been purchased by seven nations around the globe and play a vital role for the RAF in defending UK interests across the world: striking against Daesh, securing British skies, protecting the Falkland Islands and helping to guard Baltic air space.
Kuwaits choice is recognition of the wide range of capabilities of this multi-role combat aircraft on the whole range of air operations, as well as its potential to stay at the forefront of military capability for many years. Currently in service with 22 operational units across six nations, the Typhoon has proven its worth from air policing and peace support, all the way to through to high intensity conflict.
The UK government is committed to broadening and deepening the family of Typhoon nations among our allies and partners, and will continue to build on such international success.