Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4 / EK
New-build Typhoons with ECRS AESA radar — plus the EK electronic-combat conversion · First flight 2026 · In production
Tranche 4 is the first new batch for the partner nations since Tranche 3A, with the CAPTOR-E/ECRS AESA radar and updated avionics. Germany launched it in November 2020 with Project Quadriga: 30 single-seat and 8 two-seat aircraft for €5.4 billion, replacing 38 Tranche 1 jets. Spain ordered 20 (Halcón I, June 2022) and 25 more (Halcón II, 2024), and Italy up to 24 in 2024. The German and Spanish jets use the Hensoldt/Indra ECRS Mk1 radar; the UK is developing the ECRS Mk2 for its existing fleet.
Airbus announced on 15 July 2026 that the first Luftwaffe Tranche 4 aircraft, 34+02, had completed a production acceptance flight of just over an hour from Manching. Deliveries of all 38 Quadriga jets are due to be completed by 2030, and Germany has already contracted 20 Tranche 5 aircraft (October 2025) for the early 2030s.
Alongside the new jets, 15 existing Luftwaffe Typhoons are being converted to the Eurofighter EK (Elektronischer Kampf) standard for suppression of enemy air defences, with the Saab Arexis electronic-warfare suite and AGM-88E AARGM missiles. Approved by the Bundestag budget committee on 29 November 2023, the EK will take over the role of the Tornado ECR.
