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Eurofighter and Netma sign Storm Shadow integration contract
07/21/2014
| By Eurofighter
© Storm Shadow (handshake shot) Alberto Gutierrez (left) and Graham Farnell (right).jpg Storm Shadow Signing - Alberto Gutierrez (left) and Graham Farnell (right) |
Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH confirmed that NETMA, the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, has placed an order with it to integrate the Storm Shadow long range attack missile onto the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Representatives from NETMA, Eurofighter, and the four core nations of the Eurofighter Programme (the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Germany) convened for the Contract Signing Ceremony in the Eurofighter Pavilion at the Farnborough Air Show on Thursday.
Under the terms of what is known as a ‘Contract 4’ order from NETMA, Eurofighter will work with the three Eurofighter Partner Companies (BAE Systems, Airbus Space & Defence, and Alenia Aermacchi) and their supply base – including MBDA, the makers of the Storm Shadow missile - to integrate the weapon on the aircraft. The Contract will form part of what is known as the P2E enhancement package. Flight trials with Storm Shadow on Typhoon have been progressing since late 2013 and, working with Eurofighter operators, we expect to deliver an operational capability in line with their requirements.
Storm Shadow is a long range, all-weather, high precision, stand-off weapon already in service on Royal Air Force Tornados. It has been proven in operations to great effect in Iraq and Libya neutralising hardened command bunkers and other high value targets. The stealthy weapon design allows it to penetrate layered air defences whilst the long range of Storm Shadow allows it to be launched outside those defences increasing the launch aircraft survivability.
In the deep attack role Eurofighter Typhoon will carry two Storm Shadow missiles whilst maintaining the ability to carry 8 air-air missiles. This will enable Eurofighter Typhoon to fight its way in and out of the combat area.
Graham Farnell, General Manager of NETMA said: “We are delighted to be able to place this Contract with Eurofighter and we look forward to still further enhancements as the Programme progresses.”
Alberto Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer of Eurofighter, said: “This is yet further evidence of a solid roll-out of capability from Eurofighter and also demonstrates the value of forward investment by industry to ensure a progressive and pro-active approach to weapons systems enhancement.”
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Eurofighter
