7 November 2012 Last updated at 16:08 ET

EADS offices searched in corruption probe

Eurofighter jet The investigation centres on the sale of Eurofighter jets

Offices of European aerospace group EADS have been searched by authorities in Germany as part of a probe into alleged corruption.

The investigation centres on the sale of Eurofighter jets to Austria.

Public prosecutor Thomas Steinkraus-Koch confirmed the raids took place on Tuesday and said "several people" were under suspicion.

An EADS spokesman said the company was supporting the authorities with their investigation.

Reports suggest three offices were searched, two in the Munich area.

The accusations refer to the sale of 15 Eurofighters, down from an original order of 18, to the Austrian government in 2007.

EADS owns plane maker Airbus and was recently forced to cancel merger plans with the UK's BAE Systems because of political opposition.

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