The planned fighter jet business with the USA is accompanied by numerous risks. The Bundeswehr wants almost ten billion euros F-35-Buy jets to use them tornadoes to replace those that have reached the end of their useful life. As can be seen from the confidential procurement proposal for the budget and defense politicians in the Bundestag, it is far from certain whether the planned base in Büchel in Rhineland-Palatinate will be converted in time for the delivery of the first machine in 2027.
The government cannot promise whether the costs will remain within limits, nor can it guarantee all the necessary permits so that the machines can fly in Germany. This emerges from the confidential document that the Süddeutsche Zeitung present. The contract is expected to be finalized this year.
Because of the many unanswered questions, the pressure on Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht from the SPD is also growing within the traffic light coalition. Karsten Klein, budget expert for the FDP, told the SZ: “I expect the minister to emphatically meet all the requirements for the timely use of the F-35 creates.” The schedule for the replacement of the tornadoes should not be in danger. “Such a central project for our country’s defense capability must be a matter for the bosses,” said Klein.
“We need a collective zag zag”
His colleague from the Greens, Sebastian Schäfer, criticized the fact that there were still “numerous questions” about this project. It must be certain that the aircraft can be used for “all planned deployment scenarios”. The SPD politician Andreas Schwarz described it in the picture on sunday unacceptable that Parliament is only now learning about the problems. This Monday, the householders want to consult.
The chairwoman of the defense committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP), told the SZ that she had expected “high hurdles” to be overcome with such a large project, but showed little understanding if the planes were not delivered because Germany is too slow in building infrastructure. State building authorities are involved in this, but they are suffering from a lack of staff. “In view of the security situation, I expect that work will now be done quickly. I don’t want to hear from any state authority, building department head, district administrator or mayor how difficult everything is now. We need a collective zag zack.”
As can be seen from the template for the Bundestag, which has to approve such large projects, the Ministry of Defense wants 35 machines of the type F-35 A Lightning II including armament and training. The planes have stealth capabilities and are among the latest generation jets. The entire package costs 9.9 billion euros, with the proposal explicitly pointing out that “all prices mentioned in the contracts are based on conservative forecasts and derivations” from the US side and adjustments are possible. There is no room for negotiation.
USA sets high standards for extradition
The new fighter jets for the Bundeswehr will come in five years at the earliest. According to the plan, the first machines from the manufacturer Lockheed Martin are to be delivered in 2026 and training to begin in America. The machines will come to Germany in 2027. With the jets, Germany would be able to continue its contribution to NATO’s nuclear deterrence concept. They are technically capable of targeting US nuclear bombs. So far, Germany has provided the tornado-fighter jets in Büchel this contribution to the so-called nuclear sharing.
The problem is that the United States only transfers the planes to Germany when the base meets all the new safety standards. The air base has to be alone for them F-35 be converted for at least 550 million euros. The basic renovation, which also includes a new runway and modern technology, will cost a further 200 million euros. This is the only way the base can receive its status as a recognized NATO airfield.
To make matters worse, the USA made specifications for securing the construction site and required personnel who had undergone security checks. The trades are already having trouble finding skilled workers. In any case, the Ministry of Defense considers it “highly ambitious” to be finished by 2026. If Germany does not comply with the specifications from the USA, it would “immediately jeopardize the progress of the project at any time,” according to the draft.
According to the government, if the machines are in Germany, it is not certain that they can be used immediately. On the one hand, there is a risk that the approval of the F-35 may not take place in time and the jets could only fly “with restrictions”. It is questionable whether the USA allows insights into all the necessary documents. Because the machines from the USA are not designed for the German and European regulations, it could also happen that special permits would have to be granted. Overall, however, the Ministry of Defense classifies the risks as “low to medium” and the project is too important.