The first production aircraft flew in 2003, and delivery of the first aircraft started during early 2004. The Typhoon is to replace the Tornado F3 and the Jaguar. It is planned that the Typhoon front-line will comprise 7 squadrons, of which 4 will be primarily Air Defence, 2 Swing-role, and one Offensive Support covering a full range of Combat Air Operations.

Initial deliveries will be to the Typhoon hub at RAF Coningsby. Subsequent aircraft will go to Tornado F3 squadrons at Leeming and Leuchars.

The first two Squadrons No 3 (Fighter) and No 11 are now operational. No 3 Squadron being declared operational in the air-to-air role in mid 2007 and No 11 Squadron being declared operational in the ground attack role in mid 2008. This follows the first drop of a Paveway 2 guided munition in November 2007.
 

The Typhoon (formerly EFA – European Fighter Aircraft) is a single seat, STOL capable aircraft optimised for air superiority/air defence and ground attack roles. Germany, Italy and Spain are UK partners in the most costly European collaboration programme to date.

The air forces of the four countries have ordered a total of 620 Eurofighters (UK 232, Germany 180, Italy 121, and Spain 87). The UK is to receive its aircraft in 3 x Tranches. Tranche 1 - 55 aircraft (mainly air defence aircraft with some multi-role towards the end of the tranche). Tranche 2 - 89 aircraft (mainly air defence aircraft with an enhanced air-to-surface capability scheduled to be integrated on Tranche 2 aircraft from 2012). Tranche 3 - 88 aircraft (Final decision on production and numbers continuing in 2009).


The original estimated procurement cost of the RAF Typhoons was some £16.7bn, including research and development costs – making it the most expensive weapon system yet produced for the UK armed forces. The latest unit cost estimate is £64.8 million across Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 aircraft.

Typhoon is a fifth-generation combat aircraft with fully digital, integrated aircraft, avionics and weapon systems. Typhoon is designed to perform at least five air missions: air superiority, air interdiction, Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD), Close Air Support (CAS) and Maritime Attack. It may in time be modified to fulfil naval aircraft carrier roles, and a navalised version of Typhoon may be the longer term answer to the Joint Strike Fighter programme if difficulties with the United States cannot be resolved.

The aircraft is designed to carry 6 x medium-range and 2 x short-range air-to-air missiles. The aircraft has 13 x store stations and an internal gun fitted on the starboard side. A range of air-to-ground weapons can be carried, including the new Storm Shadow CASOM, Brimstone anti-armour weapon, and the future Precision Guided Bomb (PGB). No modifications will be necessary to carry "smart" weapons and three stations can carry external fuel pods. The Captor radar is a collaboration European design. Other sensors include the Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) system. The Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS) equipment is carried in 2 x wing pods that are an integral part of the wing. The datalink is provided by the Multiple Image Data System (MIDS). The aircraft will be able to operate from a 500 metre strip.

There has been much discussion regarding the quality and performance of this aircraft. During an exchange in the House of Lords on 13 January 2006 The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Lord Bach commented, “I must refer to the senior United States Air Force general who, fresh from an exhilarating first flight in Typhoon and, naturally, quite excited, was heard to say, "This is the best fast jet in the world".