At least two of Typhoon’s current export targets are requesting a maritime attack capability. The Boeing Harpoon and MBDA’s Marte and Sea Brimstone missiles were being considered as possibilities for the European multi-role combat jet.
Qatar and Malaysia are known to have stipulated a maritime-strike capability for their next purchase of combat jets.
A decision on a new fighter purchase could be made soon by Qatar. Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, which is capable of carrying the Exocet, and the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet provide the main opposition.
Harpoon is already integrated on the Super Hornet.
Malaysia is caught up with budget issues and is more likely to lease jets than purchase them outright. Saab’s Gripen and the Super Hornet are both contenders along with the Typhoon.
The British are already looking at integrating the standard Dual Mode Brimstone missile on to Typhoon.
MBDA has done air and land launches of a maritime version of a weapon it’s see’s as providing a solution to the threat posed by swarms of fast attack craft in the littoral.
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