Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Kuwait has agreed to buy 28 Eurofighter Typhoons in a deal agreed with the Italian government. In a short press statement, Eurofighter provided no details as to when the aircraft will be delivered and what configuration and equipment they will have. However, a spokesman for the four-nation consortium (Italy, Germany, the UK and Spain), confirmed that additional details reported by Defense News on the basis of unnamed industry sources are correct. This report stated that Kuwait will buy 22 single-seat and six twin-seat Typhoons and that it might chose to become the first export customer for the new active electronically scanned array radar being developed for the fighter by Italian electronics group Selex.

 


"This new agreement is the confirmation of the superiority of the Eurofighter over its competitors and will provide a great opportunity for further Eurofighter orders,” commented Eurofighter CEO Alberto Gutierrez. “We are delighted to welcome Kuwait as the newest member of our Eurofighter Typhoon family. The Eurofighter is already proven and trusted by six nations to perform in all operational environments.”

 


The agreement with Kuwait means that the Typhoon program is now backed by commitments for a total of 599 aircraft. Since service entry in late 2003, 444 of the aircraft have been delivered to six nations: Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Austria and Saudi Arabia. In December 2012, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2012-12-21/oman-orders-12-eurofighter-typhoons-eight-hawk-ajts">Oman ordered 12 Typhoons</a>.

 


Kuwait had been widely expected to opt for Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets as its replacement jet fighter. The country acquired 40 legacy F/A-18C/D Hornets in the 1990s, and has been operating them in two squadrons. Boeing would not comment directly on the Eurofigher deal, but believes that there is still potential in Kuwait for a split buy.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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