Leonardo can Customize PH Multi-role Fighters

14 Agustus 2026

Leonardo Eurofighter Typhoon (photo: Ismael Jorda)

MANILA – Multinational aerospace and defense manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A (Leonardo) is very capable of customizing its twin-engine Eurofighter Typhoon to suit Philippine operational standards and conditions once the country formalizes an order for its multi-role fighter (MRF).

"The Eurofighter program has consistently configured the aircraft to meet each operator's specific environmental and operational conditions, a reflection of the platform's design flexibility and the depth of engineering experience behind it," Enrico Fossatti, head of Leonardo's Eurofighter Export Campaigns for marketing and sales, said in an email reply to the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.

Eurofighter Typhoon, manufactured by the consortium of Leonardo, Airbus and BAE System, is among the options being looked into by the Department of National Defense (DND) for its MRF program.

Other options are Sweden's SAAB JAS-39 "Gripen", South Korea's KF-21 "Boramae", US-based Lockheed's F-16V "Viper" MRF, the Rafale of France-based Dassault Aviation.

Fossatti said the Eurofighter Typhoon's twin-engine configuration and safety record were built to demonstrate strength in demanding weather conditions such as operations over water and in extreme weather.

"So far, the Eurofighter (has) been flying in very different climate environments, from the Falklands to Iceland, from the Baltic to Australia, with demonstrated exceptional track records. The Philippines' tropical, maritime setting would naturally inform any configuration work. Should the Philippines proceed with the program, Leonardo and the partner nations would work directly with the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Air Force to tailor the aircraft accordingly, subject to possible bilateral agreements and the relevant approvals," he said.

Advanced weaponry

Aside from this, Fossatti said the Eurofighter Typhoon's weapons package or systems is one of the platform's core strengths.

He said the fighter jet is made to work "beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile for long-range engagement, alongside a comprehensive electronic warfare suite that allows the aircraft to operate effectively across a wide range of threat environments."

He said the precise composition of the weapons package for the Philippines will be determined by the final requirements and agreements reached with the Philippine government should the contract be finalized.

"What we can assure is that the aircraft will be equipped to fulfill the full range of missions required by the Philippine Air Force, drawing on a weapons integration pedigree that has been proven across multiple Eurofighter operators, subject to applicable approvals," he added.

Earlier, DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Philippines is looking for at least five possible suppliers for its MRF program to further improve the AFP's defensive capabilities.

He said the program is pegged to have an initial PHP60 billion to PHP150 billion budget and is under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Rehorizon Three. 

(PNA)