UK’s Royal Air Force has already scrapped 26 Eurofighter Typhoons
September 3, 2025
The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has retired many of its oldest Tranche 1 Eurofighter Typhoons, with 26 noted as ‘scrapped.’ The final four are set to be retired by 2027.
But the RAF plans to keep its Tranche 2 and 3 Typhoons in service much longer, at least until 2040. These will eventually be replaced by the upcoming 6th-generation fighter jet being developed under GCAP, often referred to as Tempest.
RAF nearing the end of Typhoon Tranche 1 phase-out
In response to enquiries by Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, Defence Minister Maria Eagle, on 1 September, outlined the retirement plan for the 137 Typhoons in RAF service.
“26 of the 30 Tranche 1 Typhoon aircraft have been scrapped as of 1 July 2025; this equates to 87% of the Tranche 1 fleet,” she responded.
Four of the Tranche 1 Typhoons remain in service as quick reaction alert (QRA) aircraft based at Mount Pleasant airbase in the Falklands. They will remain in use until 2027.
Alongside these remain another 107 Typhoons, 67 of the Tranche 2 and 40 Tranche 3. Eagle stated that all of these advanced Typhoons are slated for retirement in 2040.
Could the UK order more Eurofighter Typhoons?
The UK has considered placing more orders for the Typhoon, but has not yet made a decision. It’s up against the more advanced (but more expensive and non-sovereign) Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.
Obese-Jecty asked the Minister what assessment had been made regarding an order of Tranche 4 Eurofighter Typhoons for the RAF. She responded that,
“The Defence Investment Plan will analyse this changing threat and determine our future mix of 4th and 5th generation combat aircraft, in order to provide the UK the most relevant and capable Combat Air capability.”
The UK has a programme of record to eventually purchase 138 F-35s. All of these were to be F-35Bs, although the UK recently stated that at least 15 of them will be the conventional F-35A variants. These will enable the RAF to restore its air-delivered nuclear capability.
The 5th-gen Lightning II works best when used alongside 4th-generation fighter jets. The stealth fighter can dramatically increase the battlespace awareness of the other fighters, like the Typhoon, so flying both will give the RAF a strong advantage.
In the RAF, the F-35 is colloquially known as the ‘Assassin,’ while the Typhoon is called the ‘Thug.’
Eagle noted that, regardless of retirements and no new orders for the Typhoon, the UK remains committed to supporting its development.
“As part of the four Partner-Nation Eurofighter Programme, the UK is committed to upgrades to ensure the Typhoon aircraft remains competitive into the future, including the introduction of the European Common Radar Standard 2 radar,” she said.
GCAP/Tempest to replace Typhoon
The United Kingdom is a partner in the development of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Part of this project includes the production of a 6th-generation fighter jet, nicknamed Tempest.
The first demonstrator is currently under construction by BAE Systems in the United Kingdom, and the type is planned to enter service in 2035.
In the meantime, it is important for the United Kingdom to keep its production lines for the Typhoon running until it can switch over to producing the Tempest.
Recently, it was reported that the UK factory producing Typhoons was idle after it had completed deliveries to Qatar, and the UK had not placed any new orders.
Reprieve for British industry appears to be coming after the UK signed a preliminary agreement for Turkey to purchase 40 Typhoons, while Qatar appears to be preparing to purchase another 12 examples.
