Coningsby takes delivery of multi-role Typhoons

This latest development in the Typhoon programme means that, alongside its air-to-air combat capability, the Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons will now have an additional air-to-surface role.

The new capability will provide crews with the ability to mount all-weather autonomous precision ground attack missions, and represents a significant enhancement for the RAF and the Typhoon fleet.

The Typhoon has been in service for nearly four years and a planned retrofit upgrade programme is currently underway converting the previously delivered air-to-air capable aircraft to the same multi-role standard of these two new aircraft.

Wing Commander Gavin Parker, the Operational Commander of XI Squadron took delivery of the first production programme version of the aircraft:

"I think this is, in many respects, one of the most important milestones in the Eurofighter Typhoon programme to date," he said.

"Typhoon is already an exceptional air-to-air fighter and is demonstrating excellent potential in the air-to-surface role.

"A combination of its range, payload and performance, coupled with the planned integration of a variety of air-to-surface weapons, will make it a fantastic Close Air Support machine."

This latest development follows the recent announcement that the Typhoon has taken over the UK’s Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) element of the UK air defence and is now at readiness to take off within minutes – without prior warning - to protect the skies over the UK.

Having accepted the new aircraft, XI Squadron will spend the coming months training to utilise the full capabilities of the combined functionality prior to this world-class, multi-role aircraft becoming operational.