The Department of Defense wants to replace the Air Force's aging Tornado jets with modern F-35 stealth bombers to continue the role of so-called nuclear sharing. This was announced by Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht today in a press statement.
In addition, the Eurofighter will be further developed for the tasks of electronic combat, said the minister. This means that important competence will remain in Europe and Germany. The decision was made after careful consideration of all options. "The F-35 offers unique potential for cooperation with our NATO allies," Lambrecht explained. She did not make a statement about the scope of the procurement.
According to a statement by the dpa, up to 35 F-35 machines are to be procured. The agency writes that, citing government circles.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz had already announced in his government statement at the end of February that Airbus' Eurofighter was to be further developed for use in electronic warfare. With the decision in favor of the F-35 and the Eurofighter, the decision by the previous government to purchase 30 F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft and 15 EA-18 Growlers specializing in electronic warfare from the US company Boeing should be off the table.
Observers assume that when Germany procures the F-35 from Lockheed Martin, it will receive the most modern Block 4 version, which is also intended for Finland. While the Super Hornet would have to be specially certified for Germany to carry nuclear weapons, the US armed forces have already planned this role for the F-35.
According to a statement from the US Department of Defense, the certification process should be completed in time so that the capability for nuclear sharing will also be available to NATO partners from January 2024. For this reason, the so-called Design Certification Date was brought forward to January 2023. The test program required for certification is designed to ensure that the F-35A can safely transport and deliver a B61-12 thermonuclear free-fall bomb to the target.
In his speech to the Bundestag, Scholz also emphasized that Germany wants to build the next generation of combat aircraft together with European partners, above all France. Apparently, the Chancellor was referring to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), in which France, Spain and Germany are participating. Minister Lambrecht also said in her statement today that Germany is continuing to focus on the FCAS development. The system should gradually replace the Eurofighter from 2040.
However, this project seems to be faltering. According to well-informed circles, Dassault and Airbus have not yet reached an agreement on the work packages on the New Generation Fighter - the new generation combat aircraft. According to reports, Dassault continues to insist on not sharing key know-how in development with the partners. Airbus does not accept this.
Lars Hoffmann
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