In a resounding success for British engineering and European collaboration, the EUROJET consortium, which includes Rolls-Royce, has signed a major contract with the NATO Eurofighter & Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) to supply 59 state-of-the-art EJ200 engines for the Spanish Air Force.
This deal underscores Britain’s vital role in the defence sector and highlights the country’s unparalleled expertise in advanced aerospace technology.
Rolls-Royce, a cornerstone of the EUROJET consortium, will play a pivotal role in producing modules for the EJ200 engine, further cementing its reputation as a leader in innovation and cutting-edge engineering. The engines are destined to power the Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon, a world-class multi-role combat aircraft that has proven itself on the global stage.
Speaking about the project, Chris Davie, Rolls-Royce Director of UK & International Mature Programmes, said:
“At Rolls-Royce, we are proud to contribute to the EUROJET consortium with the EJ200 representing outstanding and innovative capabilities that ensure our allies maintain their operational edge. This new contract reflects the confidence placed in our technology and reinforces our commitment to innovation, partnership, and supporting operational readiness for modern air forces.”
The deal was signed at Getafe Air Force Base in Madrid by NETMA General Manager Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Simon Ellard (ret.), EUROJET CEO Ralf Breiling, and Spanish officials. The engines will be assembled at ITP Aero’s facility in Ajalvir, with deliveries beginning in 2029.
This contract marks the second phase of Spain’s Halcón acquisition project, demonstrating Europe’s commitment to maintaining a technological edge in defence. With over 1,400 EJ200 engines delivered since production began in 2003, the engine has already clocked an impressive 1.5 million flying hours across nine air forces globally.
EUROJET CEO Ralf Breiling expressed pride in the achievement:
“The confidence that Spain and the core nations continue to show in the EJ200 engine and the Eurofighter platform is inspiring. The EJ200 as part of the Eurofighter Typhoon provides a world-class, combat-proven asset for the Spanish Air Force. This order continues the deep partnership between European industry and government to develop and maintain this technology edge, which is key to the ongoing relevance of European defence.”
Securing Skies and Reinforcing NATO
The Eurofighter Typhoon, powered by the EJ200, has become a symbol of European defence excellence. Known for its unmatched performance, the engine offers reliability, cost-efficiency, and cutting-edge capabilities tailored to meet the demands of modern air forces.
AVM Simon Ellard (ret.), General Manager of NETMA, praised the collaboration:
“The signing of today’s contract finalises a successful collaborative procurement effort to provide 59 engines for Spain. The EJ200 is a key asset that delivers cutting-edge performance and powers the Eurofighter Typhoon to secure our skies and reinforce NATO’s deterrence capabilities.”
A Win for British Industry and European Defence
This deal is a shining example of how British expertise plays a critical role in safeguarding global security. Rolls-Royce’s contributions to the EJ200 engine underscore the UK’s enduring influence in the aerospace industry, with innovation and craftsmanship that continue to set global standards.
As Spain bolsters its air defence with this new investment, Britain can take pride in leading a collaboration that enhances both European security and NATO’s deterrence capabilities. This is yet another triumph for British engineering, proving that the UK remains a global leader in defence and innovation.
