Germany Unveils First Tranche 4 Eurofighter at Airbus Site Near Munich

Airbus Defense & Space unveiled the first publicly shown German Tranche 4 Eurofighter at its Manching site near Munich on May 20, 2026, during the Airbus Defense Summit. The single-seat aircraft carries production number GS0115 and service registration 34+03.

Background on the Order Germany ordered 38 Tranche 4-standard aircraft under Project Quadriga in November 2020. The batch includes 31 single-seaters and seven two-seaters, plus replacements for two aircraft lost in accidents. Deliveries were originally planned between 2025 and 2030.

The Tranche 4 jets are intended to replace the Luftwaffe’s early Tranche 1 aircraft. Berlin also plans to purchase another 55 Eurofighters to partially replace the Tornado fleet, bringing the total Tranche 4 commitment to 93 aircraft. Germany has additionally ordered 20 Tranche 5 Eurofighters under a contract signed late last year.

The Tranche 4 aircraft is fitted with the ECRS active electronically scanned array radar supplied by Hensoldt. Initial deliveries will use the Mk 0 version of the radar, while the Mk 1 standard is planned for later German and Spanish aircraft. The AESA radar provides longer detection range, faster target tracking, and improved resistance to jamming compared with earlier mechanically scanned systems.

It also supports electronic warfare and high-speed communications functions. Further enhancements are expected under the Long-Term Evolution program, which includes a new large-area cockpit display measuring 12 by 22 inches.

The Luftwaffe currently operates around 138 Eurofighters of Tranche 1, 2, and 3 variants. Fifteen existing aircraft are being converted into electronic warfare platforms equipped with Saab’s Arexis suite and AGM-88E missiles. Germany is also acquiring 35 F-35A aircraft to handle the nuclear strike mission previously assigned to Tornados and to expand conventional long-range strike options with the Joint Strike Missile.

Officials have expressed concerns over work-share arrangements and are considering alternative paths. The Tranche 4 aircraft will operate alongside emerging uncrewed systems, including potential loyal-wingman drones such as the XQ-58A Valkyrie and Airbus’s own Wingman concept.

The unveiling reflects Germany’s broader shift toward higher-readiness forces oriented on NATO’s eastern flank following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.