The Eurofighter is "an amazing aircraft", says Sir Brian Burridge

Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burridge was welcoming Eurofighter pilots - who tested the jet in Singapore - at the plane's factory in Warton, Lancashire.

On Wednesday Sir Brian praised the jet for its capabilities.

But he added: "These days getting the right price for our equipment is paramount because our resources are less than infinite."

I know in the past it has been troubled...but the RAF is delighted with it Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burridge

Known as the Typhoon, the hi-tech aircraft has been taking part in exercises in Singapore and has now returned to its base at the factory in Warton.

RAF pilots flew two of the jets to the Republic of Singapore whose air force is considering buying the aircraft.

The Eurofighter, developed by a consortium of British, German, Spanish and Italian companies, is competing against the US-made Joint Strike Fighter and the French Rafael.

Sir Brian said he could not understate the challenge faced by the jet on its first overseas deployment.

�18bn price tag

"I know in the past it has been troubled both in terms of international politics and in terms of its development, but as a customer, the RAF is delighted with it," he said.

"It is an amazing aircraft."

The RAF has 55 Eurofighters with a further 89 due to be delivered in phase two and another 88 in phase three, bringing the total number of aircraft to 232.

The Eurofighter programme, which has cost the British taxpayer an estimated �18bn, has been criticised over spiralling costs and problems with its development.