Eurofighter C.16 Tifón

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multi-role high-performance combat aircraft which was a multi-national development between the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. Achieving its first flight in March 1994, deliveries to the partner nations began in August 2003 and the type first saw combat over Libya during 2010 and 2011. The Typhoon has been subject to constant upgrades throughout its service life and most recently has been earmarked for a new far more advanced radar together with the potential for a new touchscreen cockpit to be installed. The Typhoon can carry a variety of air-to-ground and air-to-air weaponry including the Meteor long range air-to-air missile which is arguably considered the best air-to-air missile in the world. In addition to the partner nations, the Typhoon is operated by Austria, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

The Spanish Air and Space Force currently operates a fleet of 69 Typhoons from an original order of 74. In Spanish service, this single-seat Typhoon is known as the C.16 and the two-seat version as the CE.16. Spain has been keen to upgrade its fleet of Typhoons and has incorporated features from the more advanced Tranche 2 and 3 aircraft into its fleet of Tranche 1 Typhoons. A further order for a total of 20 Tranche 4 standard aircraft was placed in 2022 to replace the EF-18 Hornets of Ala 46 who are tasked with the defence of the Canary Islands. In addition, a follow on order for 25 Tranche 4+ (referred to 5 in some circles) aircraft was placed in December 2024 to replace the remaining EF-18 Hornets on strength.

Last appearing at the Air Tattoo in 2016, the Spanish Air and Space Force will be sending their C.16 Typhoon solo display to perform at RIAT25.

Photo Credit: Tony Osborne