Despite the continuing decline of budgets and force levels since the end of the Cold War, Europe remains a powerhouse of aviation technologies, with the fighter market being particularly vibrant. Western Europe remains congregated around three canard-based designs: the multinational Eurofighter Typhoon, and the solo efforts from France and Sweden of the Rafale and Gripen respectively. All three have now found success in combat and on the export market and, while the Rafale and Typhoon are very similar in design and ethos, each of the 'Eurocanards' offers its own unique slant on the modern fighter aircraft. To the east, Russia has continued to develop and refine its Cold War designs, while the entry to service of its modern fifth-generation fighter is now becoming a more imminent reality. Together, Europe's offerings remain in fierce competition with US fighters on the global export market. Meanwhile, on the southeast borders of Europe, Turkey is seeking to enter the fray with its own ambitious fifth-generation fighter aircraft plans.
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