The decision on the succession of the combat aircraft Tornado is one of the cost most most prestigious and at the same time, urgently, Ursula von der Leyen has to make. Because the 85 Jets of the type that has 35 years in the service, reaching to the year 2025, actually, the end of their term. However, a new acquisition takes. Although the defence Minister has decided against a possible solution – the US stealth bomber F-35, it is not. But whether an American or a European machine to replace the fighter-bombers, is still.
Behind the delay is not technical, but highly political questions. That is, at least know the former air force inspector Karl Müllner. Müllner was made public for the F-35. The US Jet is technically the last cry. That’s exactly why he doesn’t fit the concept of the governments in Berlin and Paris, which have declared the development of a European Super-fighter jets by 2040, to the lighthouse project of closer European defence and armaments cooperation. Müllner had to go.
the USA or to Europe
the question of The “USA or Europe” remains on the table. After all, before the Euro-Superjet, the Bundeswehr is in need of an interim solution. In the role of scout, the tornadoes currently support of Jordan from the fight against the terrorist group IS in Iraq, would be the Eurofighter Typhoon as a replacement. It is more difficult for the task for which the Veteran originally purchased was: The tornadoes are the admission ticket to the nuclear part. You can carry US nuclear bombs, the camps, probably in the Eifel region – Germany is allowed to have a say in the nuclear-deterrence strategy of the Nato.
neither the Eurofighter nor the currently considered Alternative for a temporary solution, the American F-18, But are now approved for this use. The Ministry now wants to catch up with both the Eurofighter as well as the F-18 manufacturer Boeing comprehensive information about how long the certification lasts, which should take place in the United States. If the data were available, says the Ministry, could be decided between the two.
Of defence-politicians in the Parliament but is yet a third variant to the game: Although it was because of the rising demand for replacement parts and maintenance costs too expensive, all 85 Tornados until 2040 to operate. But if you were limited to the 40 or so machines, which are scheduled as a nuclear bomber, see the invoice may be different, says a military expert of the coalition.
Before a new debate on the nuclear part
got This solution would have the additional charm that you would not be shopping in the US and Donald Trump is a small Triumph bring. Finally, it is also about industrial policy: “It is not an isolated decision” on a purely technical Basis, emphasizes a social Democrat.
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INF-Why Germany contributes to the cleavage of the Nato
Christoph von Marschall
The same applies to the fundamental question of the nuclear part. The will inevitably come back into focus, if after the termination of the INF Treaty on medium-distance weapon by the United States on the future of nuclear deterrence will be discussed, predicts that the SPD-man. In his party, many have accepted it only grudgingly, as the nuclear part was written in the coalition agreement, although Chancellor candidate, Martin Schulz, had made in the election campaign, however, Front. This Front continues: “The question is not addressed in the SPD.”
