29 January 2003
The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Eurofighter GmbH
signed an agreement today that will involve Norwegian industry in
the further development of the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System.
Norway is the first country to formally participate in the
Eurofighter industrial partnership for enhanced versions of the
weapon system.
The agreement covers industrial participation in the Eurofighter
programme that will be jointly funded by the Royal Norwegian MoD
and Norwegian industry. Areas of particular interest include high
technology development work in weapon systems integration, sensors
- including radar, and flight controls. The initial contract is
valued at 20 Million.
Commenting on the agreement Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive
Officer, Eurofighter GmbH said
'We consider this agreement as a positive signal from the Norwegian
Government that the choice of a replacement fighter has not been
decided and that a competitive situation exists. The Eurofighter
industry and nations will now work closely with Norway to
demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of our partnership to
deliver long-term benefits to the Norwegian Government and provide
Norwegian industry with high technology work and jobs for its
skilled labour force.'
Eurofighter Typhoon will formally enter service with the partner
countries in 2003 and will be the mainstay of NATO air power for at
least 30 years.
Under the partnership arrangement Norwegian companies will benefit
from high technology work across the defence and aerospace
spectrum. In particular this agreement will open the possibility of
additional work within other programmes of the Eurofighter Partner
Companies Alenia Aeronautica, BAE SYSTEMS, and EADS.
High Resolution Eurofighter Typhoon images can be downloaded the
photo library. www.eurofighter.com/photolibrary
More information can be found in the following Royal Norwegian
Ministry of Defence press release.
http://www.eurofighter.com/news/latestnews.asp