Austria has finally agreed to buy 18 Eurofighter aircraft for $2.2 billion ($122 million each). This including financing costs, pilot and ground crew training, support services, spares, maintenance equipment and a simulator. The first four aircraft will be delivered in 2007, the next 12 in 2008 and the final two in 2009. Pilot and ground crew training begins in 2004. The deal allows Austria to begin payments in 2007, on nine year terms.
