#46, Eurofighter Typhoon: Europe's Premier Air Superiority Fighter
The Eurofighter Typhoon is the most capable non-American Western fighter in the world, with over 570 delivered to nine air forces across Europe and the Middle East. Built by a consortium of Britain, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the Typhoon combines delta-wing/canard aerodynamics with twin EJ200 engines that give it a thrust-to-weight ratio exceeding 1:1. In air-to-air combat exercises, Typhoons have regularly performed well against F-22 Raptors in within-visual-range engagements, a claim very few fighters can make.
The Typhoon entered service later than planned and over budget, a common story for multinational defense technology programs, but it has proven itself in combat over Libya, where RAF and Italian Typhoons flew strike missions in 2011. Its AESA radar, Meteor beyond-visual-range missile, and advanced electronic warfare suite make it a serious threat to any adversary. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar have all purchased the Typhoon, demonstrating its appeal beyond Europe. The aircraft is being continuously upgraded with new weapons and sensors, and it will form the backbone of several European air forces until the 2060s.
