At the opening of the International Aviation Exhibition in Berlin, Chancellor Scholz announced the order for 20 more Eurofighters. This will expand production capacities in Germany and Europe.
In Berlin today, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the order for 20 new Eurofighters. He promised the arms industry “reliable orders” so that production capacities in Germany and Europe can be expanded.
“The federal government has a great interest in a strong aerospace industry in Germany and Europe,” said Scholz in Berlin at the opening of the International Air Show (ILA).
“That is why we will be ordering 20 more Eurofighters during this legislative period – in addition to the 38 aircraft that are currently in the pipeline,” added the Chancellor. He spoke of a necessary “defense industry turnaround.”
Closer cooperation in Europe needed
Due to time constraints, some weapons systems are now being procured from partners who already have products available on the market. “We simply cannot wait for some things. But speed is only one important aspect.” The government will also push for other options, such as the export of the Eurofighter. “I am strongly committed to maintaining and expanding production capacities,” he said, referring to the arms industry.
Closer cooperation between European partners is also necessary. “In Europe, we can simply no longer afford to have a significantly larger number of competing weapons systems than, for example, the USA,” said the Chancellor. There must be fewer systems that reflect the strengths of the respective industries. Scholz said: “Then we will also achieve the necessary interoperability between Europe’s armed forces and higher unit numbers.” He wants German industry to “play at the forefront.”
Scholz: “New security policy Reality”
“Today we see more clearly than ever how important a European and German defense industry is that can continuously produce all important types of weapons and the necessary ammunition,” said the SPD politician.
Politicians in Germany have “given too much berth to the industry in the past.” Scholz said: “That is over. Russia’s attack on Ukraine, which violated international law, has confronted the whole of Germany with a new security reality.”
Space travel also becoming increasingly important
Scholz also described space travel as increasingly important, which is why the Chancellery will also be looking into it. With the imminent launch of the Ariane A6 launch vehicle, Europe’s own access to space will “finally” be restored with a large launch system and technological sovereignty will be secured in a crucial field for competitiveness.
“The ability to operate in space at any time and to put satellites into orbit is essential both commercially and in terms of defense policy,” he warned. Reliable and innovative small systems are also needed to put satellites into space, said Scholz, referring to the first launches of German so-called micro-launchers this year. These bring tiny satellites into space.
“Europe needs its own mega-satellite constellation – whether for the Internet of Things or for the autonomous driving and flying of tomorrow,” the Chancellor also demanded, alluding to large satellite networks such as Starlink, which Elon Musk has built in the USA.