German Defense Ministry prefers the Eurofighter to replace Tornado fleet while the Air Force chief thinks that the F-35 is the better choice.
Germany at odds between Eurofighter and F35 to replace Tornado fleet |
According to Reuters the German Defense Ministry declared that the Eurofighter Typhoon is the preferred choice to replace the aging Tornado fleet. The ministry’s position is in contrast with that of the German Air Force chief, Lt. Gen. Karl Muellner, which had indicated to prefer the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighteninng II JSF (More details here).
Deputy Defence Minister Ralf Brauksiepe clarified that the government views the Eurofighter as the “primary” option for replacing the fleet of Tornado fighter jets in 2025. The US-made F-15E, the F/A-18E/F and the F-35 are considered only as “secondary” choices, he wrote in a letter.
This is no a surprise considering that at the beginning of the year France and Germany have announced their intention to work together to develop a new advanced 5th Gen. "European" fighter jet.
Written by Matteo Sanzani
Image: Julian Herzog