Staatsanwaltschaft München I, the Munich Public Prosecutor’s office, has terminated its investigation into the sale of the Eurofighter aircraft by Airbus Defence and Space to the Republic of Austria in 2003.

The investigation, which had been carried out since 2012, ‘did not confirm the allegations of bribery’.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

In 2003, Austria acquired 15 Eurofighter jets for approximately €2bn from Airbus.

Austrian Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil claimed that the deal had caused damages for the country amounting to €1.1bn, reported Reuters.

The defence ministry accused Airbus and Eurofighter of providing misleading information about the purchase price, supply, and specifications of the aircraft.

“Austrian Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil claimed that the deal had caused damages for the country amounting to €1.1bn.”

However, an administrative penalty notice has been issued against Airbus Defence and Space based on alleged breach of supervisory duties of non-identified members of the company’s former management.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The notice also alleged that certain former management of the firm negligently failed to ensure proper internal controls that would not have allowed employees to make payments to business partners without proven documented services in exchange.

The company has accepted the notice and agreed to pay the total fine of €81.25m, which comprises an administrative fine of €250,000 and a disgorgement of €81m.

The firm is reported to have fully cooperated with the Munich Public Prosecutor since the start of the investigation that included the provision of an independent fact-finding report of the UK-based law firm Clifford Chance, which Airbus shared with the Munich Public Prosecutor in 2014.