This is a discussion on Germany to acquire F-35 for the Luftwaffe within the Intros & Off Topic forum, part of the Global Defense & Military category; This may be a bit surprising for most of us, but Germany's defence secretary Jung in a parliamentary debate (broadcasted ...
This may be a bit surprising for most of us, but Germany's defence secretary Jung in a parliamentary debate (broadcasted by TV) just stated that Germany will buy F-35s as a replacement for the remaining Tornado fleet in the past-2015 timeframe. He said that chancellor Merkel talked about the matter with president Obama during their meeting last week. And the interesting thing is, as Germany would never accept a plane they can't modify to their requirements, the delivered F-35s will not be completely outfitted but be ready to be stuffed with German and European stuff, e.g. a European AESA etc. The German F-35 is to be named the "Eurolightning" and will have a sophisticated set of non-lethal or less than lethal weapons designed to provide a whole new level of peacekeeping.
Apart from the fact that this was rumoured for quite a long time, this makes sense to me. At least the F-35 will be able to fulfill the Tornado ECR-role and add a few things. And a completely indigenous Tornado replacement would take some time...
... The German F-35 is to be named the "Eurolightning" and will have a sophisticated set of non-lethal or less than lethal weapons designed to provide a whole new level of peacekeeping.
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Modern Germany
First a peacekeeping version of a Leopard 2 MBT now a fighter bomber.
By 2015, therefore, a new electronic warfare aircraft is scheduled to make its appearance – one based on the F 35 airframe, with strong self-defense capabilities as well as electronic attack potential. The so called "Eurolightning" is based on the "Joint Strike Fighter" F 35 and has 90% commonality with its counterpart, just as its predecessor the ECR-Tornado was based on the robust Tornado IDS fighter bomber. At present, the Eurolightning is slated to be the only dedicated electronic warfare aircraft in the Luftwaffe´s future force – and since the USA is the only western country with such aircraft by now, it would become the sole source of tactical jamming support for NATO air forces as a whole.
The F-35 Lightning II is a major multinational program which is intended to produce an “affordably stealthy” multi-role strike fighter that will have three variants: the F-35A conventional version for the US Air Force et. al.; the F-35B Short Take-Off, Vertical Landing for the US Marines, British Royal Navy, et. al.; and the F-35C conventional carrier-launched version for the US Navy.
The Eurolightning will use the F-35A conventional version as its base, and add a new mission system developed by EADS, including a revolutionary non lethal weapon system for peacekeeping operations.
It really took me by surprise when I read that in the newspaper this morning. But in the end it is just a logical step forward to a capable Tornado replacement.
Sounds a little bit expensive. What is more, I´d prefere a solution based on the Typhoon. There´s no need for the expensive F 35.
Actually, most people expect that the Typhoon will cost more to acquire than the F-35A...
Either way, the new "mission system" will have to be designed and integrated onto the platform of choice, so what is likely to be cheaper then?
Just as I've argued over in the "Spanish Air Force" thread, adding a few more Typhoons, to an already large Typhoon based inventory, adds little overall capability enhancement.
Adding a VLO fighter aircraft TO that already capable fighter force, adds significantly GREATER capability, IMHO. Not that I think it will happen...
Last edited by Aussie Digger; April 1st, 2009 at 10:23 AM.
Of course. What do you think my - and some other - replies meant?
I hope Falstaff doesn't mind, but I took the liberty of re-posting his missive elsewhere. I credited him, of course. One person did jump on it as justifying his belief that all the Eurofighter partners are desperate to get out of buying any more & want F-35 instead.
Modern Germany
Nice one.
D nice one
