Italy’s Additional 8 Eurofighter Typhoons Appear Formalized

Leonardo’s Q1 2026 financial results appear to confirm that the Italian Air Force (AMI) has formally moved forward with the acquisition of 8 additional Eurofighter Typhoons. The reference emerged in recent days within the company’s “Orders” section, suggesting the aircraft have already been contractually booked during the first quarter of 2026.

According to the document, Leonardo’s Aircraft Business Unit benefited from contracts including “the supply of additional 8 Typhoon aircraft again for the Italian Air Force.” The wording is particularly significant because it appears in the orders backlog rather than in forward-looking program expectations.

The development provides one of the clearest indications so far that Italy’s previously announced Typhoon expansion is now entering a more concrete implementation phase.

Likely linked to the broader 24-aircraft plan

Back in December 2024, Italy announced an agreement for up to 24 additional Eurofighter Typhoons intended to replace the oldest Tranche 1 aircraft currently in AMI service. Until now, however, limited information had emerged regarding the actual contractual breakdown and production sequencing.

The Leonardo report now suggests that a first batch of 8 aircraft may already have been formally contracted and integrated into industrial planning.

While the exact configuration has not been publicly disclosed, the aircraft are likely to feature a highly advanced standard broadly aligned with the latest Eurofighter production baseline. This could include the Captor-E AESA radar and compatibility with future LTE and P4E capability enhancements.

The move is strategically important for several reasons.

Beyond simply replacing aging airframes, the procurement helps preserve AMI fighter fleet mass and operational continuity during the long transition toward the future GCAP sixth-generation combat aircraft program. Maintaining production activity also supports Italy’s role inside the Eurofighter industrial ecosystem at a time when several partner nations are still expanding or modernizing their fleets.

Whether this first reported batch of 8 aircraft will soon be followed by additional tranches remains unclear. However, Leonardo’s inclusion of the order in its Q1 2026 financial results suggests the program is already more advanced than publicly visible until now.

Possible further announcements could emerge later this year as Italy continues reshaping its future combat aviation structure ahead of the 2030s.