The UK's intention to dismantle 26 of its early Typhoon fighter jets has caused some buzz as to why the aircraft should not be exported or handed over to UkraineThese aircraft were early versions of the Typhoon fighters, which did not have the ability to use advanced Meteor medium-range missiles, and their ground attack capabilities were relatively mediocre.
Britain originally planned to phase out these early fighters by 2025, and now the plan is to dismantle 26 as spare parts, and the remaining four to become aircraft for imaginary enemy forces. As early as a few years ago, Britain intended to disassemble part of the Typhoon fighters, the main reason for which was to reduce spending. Although Britain and other countries jointly developed the Typhoon fighter, it was a bit of a no-brainer. Is it reasonable for Britain to deal with Typhoon fighters in this way?
Perhaps there are more considerations to be made in this. The Typhoon fighter is an advanced fourth-and-a-half-generation fighter jointly developed by Britain, Germany, and Spain, but in the early stage of equipment development, these countries also adopted the method of running in small steps. Therefore, the early Typhoon fighter is somewhat similar to China's J-10A, and it is not a complete version, and the early version is generally called Tranche 1.
These Tranche 1 versions of the Typhoon fighters do not have the ability to use advanced Meteor medium-range missiles, and at the same time, their ground attack capabilities are also very average, they are relatively ordinary anti-air combat models, and the radar does not use phased array radar. The early Typhoon fighter seemed to be a relatively ordinary anti-aircraft combat model, but that didn't mean it didn't have a place to go.
If these British planes are used for export, they may be able to return to blood. Or give it to Ukraine, for the fight against Russia. But in fact, these aircraft were early versions of the Typhoon fighters and not a multi-role fighter in the true sense of the word.
Theoretically, these aircraft could be upgraded to the advanced Typhoon fighter jets of the later stage, and even the radar could be replaced, but the problem is that Britain seems to be deliberately reducing the number of fighters, after all, the British are now financially unable to afford the size of the military. Although the United Kingdom is reducing the number of Typhoon fighters in service in order to reduce the overall cost.
However, after dismantling these Typhoon fighters, in addition to reducing some operating costs, their accessories can also be used for the Typhoon fighters that are currently in service. As for aid to Ukraine, some Western countries are already tired, and all countries have to live their lives, and they cannot endlessly invest in this bottomless pit.
Perhaps, the UK's decision is indeed reasonable, after all, the use and maintenance costs of these aircraft also need to be considered. After all, the UK is under a lot of financial pressure, and reducing spending is a real need.