Eurofighter 2020, Participants/Input Welcome

[Spain (JCU)]

The rapid modernization of the Russian Air Force as well as the much-publicized failure of the Eurofighter to win the Indian MRCA competition necessitated a considerable upgrade to keep the Typhoon on the cutting-edge of modern fighter technology.

The Spanish representative to the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) requested that a full review be conducted on the feasibility of upgrades previously identified in the Eurofighter 2020 program. The following modifications have been proposed:

-Addition of conformal fuel tanks and larger external tanks
-Replacement of CAPTOR radar with the CAPTOR-E AESA
-Replacement of EJ200 with EJ2x0 Stage 2 with thrust vectoring control
-Addition of leading edge root extensions
-Upgrades to the fighter’s GPS, IFF, MIDS (NATO datalink), IDM and Rover (datalink to Forward Air Controllers) and SATCOM in line with NATO’s Network Enabled Capability program
-Improved autopilot with Automatic Critical Altitude Recovery
-Upgrade the Defensive Aid Sub-System with Passive Infra-red Missile Approach Warning System
-Addition of miniaturized Directional Infrared Counter Measures system
-Integration of various weapons systems, including: MBDA Meteor, AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM, Storm Shadow, Brimstone, Taurus KEPD 350, NSM, AGM Armiger, JDAM, HOPE/HOSBO, EGBU-16/GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway, and RecceLite pod.

With the Eurofighter partner nations having recovered from the economic calamity of the last decade and heightened tensions in Southeast Asia and across the world, the Spanish contingent believes that the political will and financial capacity exists to proceed with the much-needed Eurofighter 2020 program. Spain will commit to procuring at least 30 new-build aircraft, in addition to upgrading our existing fleet.

We now request input and statements of intent from our Eurofighter partners. Considering recent purchases from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, we suggest that they might be brought into the program as well.

[Russia (Skyenet)]

From a purely OOC standpoint: Why would you want to integrate the Penguin, which has been replaced with the Naval Strike Missile, or rather, the air-launched Joint Strike Missile?

[Turkey (Dax)]

The Republic of Turkey would be most interested in participating in this development, under the right conditions.

[Spain (JCU)]

[OOC: Good point. Changed.]

IC: Naturally, the same baseline applies as when EF2020 partnership was first offered to Turkey three years ago. In Turkey's case, at least, we can guarantee joint development, with Turkish input as to requirements and capabilities as well as a commensurate share of industrial production. While we cannot speak for the entire consortium, Spain views this as an avenue for Turkey to become a full Eurofighter partner should it desire. But we are of course willing to entertain further proposals, if Turkey wishes to elaborate.

[United Kingdom (LaVoie)]

The United Kingdom fully supports this project and will continue to have the upmost commitment to it. We are also fully behind any attempt by Turkey to have a larger role in the development on this upgrade.

[Vietnam (soysauce)]

Vietnam would like to send observers to the development process to participate in the project.

[United Kingdom (LaVoie)]

The United Kingdom would be uncomfortable that such an agreement would be made with a state unlikely to procure these aircraft.

[Vietnam (soysauce)]

Vietnam would like to produce it's own aircraft in the future, this requires experienced designers. There are few new jets in development that Vietnam could afford to purchase.