Eurofighter, together with NATO’s Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), has signed a contract to develop, test, and certify an Aerodynamic Modification Kit (AMK) for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft.
The AMK is designed to accelerate the integration and certification of new weapons and external stores, significantly enhancing the Typhoon’s overall combat effectiveness. According to Eurofighter, the kit will support future integration of anti-radiation missiles, enabling the aircraft to conduct suppression and destruction of enemy air defense (SEAD/DEAD) missions against hostile radar systems.
For core customer nations adopting the AMK configuration, additional capabilities will include integration of advanced air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons, as well as the future incorporation of next-generation standoff missiles.
Germany plans to equip its Eurofighter fleet with the Taurus Neo long-range cruise missile and the GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition by 2028. In parallel, the Eurofighter EK SEAD variant is scheduled to integrate the AGM-88E anti-radiation guided missile, with operational capability targeted for 2029–2030.
Sustaining Eurofighter’s Relevance
Eurofighter partners Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo will jointly develop and produce the AMK, reinforcing Europe’s aerospace industrial base and long-term technological expertise.
Aerodynamic Modification Kit Overview
The AMK includes leading-edge root extensions, extended fuselage strakes, and enlarged flaperons, supported by upgrades to the flight control system and avionics software. These modifications improve close-in air combat performance, particularly in high-agility and low-speed engagement scenarios.
The upgrade increases maximum wing lift by approximately 25 percent, delivering higher sustained turn rates, tighter turning radii, and improved nose-pointing capability at low speeds—enabling faster weapon employment. Flight trials have demonstrated significant performance gains, including angle-of-attack limits increased by up to 45 percent, roll rates improved by up to 100 percent, and an increase in maximum take-off weight by several hundred kilograms, enhancing payload capacity and mission flexibility.
Eurofighter stated that these improvements are achieved while fully preserving the Typhoon’s flight envelope, maneuverability, and survivability.
