The choice for American aircraft could complicate the discussions on the Franco-German-Spanish combat aircraft project (SCAF).
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This is the first evidence of Berlin in the field of military equipment since the announcement of Chancellor Olaf Scholz on February 27, to spend 100 billion euros with the modernization of the German army. And it may arouse tensions between Berlin and its partners with regard to European defense, France in mind. The Minister of Defense, Christine Lambrecht, announced, Monday, March 14, the purchase of stealthy aircraft (up to 35) of American manufacture, F-35 of the Lockheed Martin manufacturer, to partially replace the old fleet of 85 Tornado, used for forty years, the last one must be out of service at the latest in 2030.
Christine Lambrecht justified this choice by explaining that the F-35s “offered a unique cooperation potential” with the German Allies of NATO and other partners in Europe. The American hunting plane is already in use in the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, Poland, the Netherlands, Norway, as well as in Switzerland and Finland.
The Air Force Inspector, Ingo Gerhartz, visibly satisfied, pointed out that in view of the attack of Vladimir Putin against Ukraine, there was “no alternative” At the F-35, considered “the most modern combat aircraft in the world”, and “immediately available on the market”. The F-35 is especially the only aircraft currently approved for transporting US nuclear bombs, allowing Germany to honor its commitment to “nuclear participation”: if it does not have the weapon itself, it must In fact, being able to transport US nuclear bombs in case of emergency, mission that the Tornado fill.
The choice for the American plane, which closes two years of debates on the Tornado estate, gives satisfaction to the executives of the Air Force. Nevertheless, it remains very delicate in terms of European military cooperation: Germany develops with Paris and Madrid a combat aircraft 100% European, SCAF (Future Air Combat System), supposed to enter into service. ‘Here at 2040. Does this plane really have a chance to be developed and imposing itself if Germany uses ultramodern F-35s, it is difficult to present as transition solutions? This anxiety is lively French side, which fears that Berlin does not put enough financial means and political will in the joint plane project.
Buying Eurofighter
To dispel doubts about German participation in the European defense effort, M me lambrecht said the army would also buy 15 Eurofighter aircraft, manufactured by Airbus, which will intervene in Electronic air warfare, that is to say for the identification and the fight against adverse air threats. “This allows us to preserve important technologies in Germany and Europe,” she said. She also emphasized German engagement in SCAF: “It remains our ambition to gradually replace Eurofighter with SCAF from 2040 and to realize this trinational project as an example of European cooperation, as I said to my French homologue in Evreux last week. “
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