Eurofighter, NETMA formally launch Aerodynamic Modification Kit

An artist's impression of the Eurofighter combat aircraft fitted with the Aerodynamic Modification Kit that is designed to speed up the integration of new weapons at the same time as enhancing manoeuvrability. (Eurofighter)

The Eurofighter consortium and the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) have agreed to the development, testing, and certification of the Aerodynamic Modification Kit (AMK) for the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft.

Announced on 5 February, the contract signed between the two is geared at enabling the faster integration of new weapons and certification of new external loads as the consortium partners of Germany (Airbus), Italy (Leonardo), Spain (Airbus), and the UK (BAE Systems) look to take the Eurofighter out to the 2060s.

“Signing the AMK contract marks a major milestone for the Eurofighter programme, further enhancing the jet's long-term capability,” Eurofighter CEO Jorge Tamarit-Degenhardt said. The announcement did not disclose a contract value, and neither did it provide a timeline for further development through to operational fielding.

While none of the partner or export customers have yet committed to the AMK package, the reference in the announcement to the certification of “future anti-radar missiles, which enable the suppression and destruction of enemy air-defence radars”, indicates that Germany may be considering the upgrade as part of its Eurofighter Elektronischer Kampf (EK) electronic attack programme.

As well as enabling the Eurofighter to carry a greater array of both air-to-air and air-to-surface weaponry, the AMK improves the aircraft's dogfighting capabilities.