Germany to purchase 3,266 new Brimstone 3 missiles for its fleet of Eurofighter Typhoon jets.

As reported by Hardpunkt on June 26, 2024, the German Air Force, the Luftwaffe, is set to enhance its capabilities with the integration of the Brimstone 3 air-to-surface missile for the Eurofighter Typhoon multirole fighter. This development follows the Bundeswehr's 2017 announcement regarding its intention to adopt the Brimstone 3 missile early in this decade. Implementation is now underway with the Bundestag's budget committee approving a €25 million framework contract for the delivery of up to 3,266 Brimstone 3 missiles.
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For air-to-surface missions, the Eurofighter Typhoon can carry Paveway IV laser-guided bombs, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, Brimstone anti-armor missiles, and Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles. (Picture source: Bundeswehr)

Initially, 274 operational Brimstone missiles, including launch and test equipment and other accessories, will be ordered from MBDA Deutschland at a cost of approximately €376 million. These weapons are intended for deployment on the Eurofighter, which will require modifications. Additionally, the procurement includes 29 Brimstone missiles for operational testing and 75 missiles for training and telemetry purposes.

The Brimstone missile system will enable the German Air Force to target and engage both stationary and moving ground and surface targets with precision. The missile is already in use with the Royal Air Force's Eurofighters, which have undergone qualification for this aircraft. However, the German Air Force may require a specific Delta qualification to account for national peculiarities. The contract, scheduled to run until the end of 2033, is expected to be finalized following parliamentary approval in July 2024. Any further orders from the framework contract exceeding €25 million will require additional Bundestag approval.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a European multirole combat aircraft designed for both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions. It features a twin-engine, canard-delta wing configuration and incorporates advanced technology, including the ECRS Mk2 radar, which enhances its electronic warfare and airspace control capabilities. Continuous upgrades, such as improved sensors, avionics, and data processing systems, ensure its operational effectiveness in various combat scenarios. The aircraft has a top speed of Mach 2.0, a thrust of 180 kN, and a service ceiling of 55,000 feet.

The Typhoon's weaponry includes a range of munitions for different combat roles. For air-to-air missions, it can carry missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM, Meteor, and IRIS-T. In air-to-surface roles, it is equipped with Paveway IV laser-guided bombs, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, Brimstone anti-armor missiles, and Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles. Additionally, it can be fitted with a 27mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon for close-range engagements.

The Brimstone missile system, already used by the British Eurofighter jets, will enable the German Air Force to target and engage both stationary and moving ground and surface targets with precision. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Brimstone 3 missile originates from the Brimstone Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP), announced in March 2018, which aims to provide new Brimstone missiles for the British Armed Forces and meet current and future export supply needs. The newly-built Brimstone 3 missile, weighing around 50 kilograms, employs a hollow charge principle. Manufactured by TDW Gesellschaft für verteidigungstechnische Wirksysteme mbH, the multi-mode warhead is modular and can be equipped with various seekers and warheads. In March 2019, MBDA successfully tested the latest Brimstone 3 version in Sweden, which now incorporates surface-to-surface firing and new hardware allowing future enhancements.

The upgrades include a new internal measurement unit, a Dual Mode Semi-Active Laser (SAL)/Millimetric Wave (mmW) seeker, an improved autonomous guidance mechanism, an improved battery for an additional 30% engagement duration, and a new insensitive multi-effect warhead, allowing for an extension of the missile range compared to its predecessors.

In the United Kingdom, the Brimstone 3 will be integrated into the RAF's MQ-9B Protector fleet alongside Paveway IV. Spain and Germany intend to use Brimstone 3 on their Eurofighters, and the UK plans to use it to replace their already equipped Brimstone 2 stockpile. The Brimstone 3 is also being offered to the British Army as part of MBDA's bid for the Mounted Close Combat Overwatch program, which aims to provide an under-armor, non-line-of-sight, anti-armor capability to frontline forces as an overdue capability replacement for the Swingfire.