Status: 03/14/2022 08:32 a.m
In order to replace the Luftwaffe’s old Tornados, American F-35 stealth jets, which can also transport US nuclear bombs, are apparently to be bought. It would be the first major procurement project since Russia invaded Ukraine.
As the first major procurement project after the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Bundeswehr apparently wants to buy F-35 stealth jets. Up to 35 machines from the US manufacturer Lockheed Martin are planned, according to government circles, the news agencies dpa and Reuters report. The possible costs of the project have not yet been announced.
Atomic Bomb Capable Fighter Aircraft
The aircraft are intended to replace the Bundeswehr’s Tornados, which are clearly showing their age – they are particularly important for Germany’s so-called nuclear participation. With this NATO deterrent concept, German combat aircraft can be equipped with US nuclear bombs.
Although it was never officially confirmed, it is considered an open secret that 20 thermonuclear bombs are said to be stored at a US base in the Eifel, which could previously be transported and dropped by German Tornados.
The F-35 could take over this task in the future, because the approximately 40-year-old Tornado jets currently have to be modernized at increasingly expensive rates in order to be able to keep up with modern requirements.
Originally different plans for Tornado successor
The F-35 is currently the most modern combat aircraft in the world. Due to its special shape and outer coating, it reflects little radar radiation and is therefore difficult to see for enemy troops.
According to previous plans, the federal government planned to buy American F-18s as Tornado replacements. However, these would first have to be certified for the use of atomic bombs, which has already been done with the F-35. According to the dpa news agency, the F-18 plans are off the table.
In addition, there are said to have been concerns in Berlin that a purchase of the F-35 could counteract their own Franco-German armaments project: the construction of a European “combat aircraft of the future” (FCAS/ Future Combat Air System). But even these concerns should now have receded into the background. Since other NATO partners also use the F-35, “synergy effects” are possible in operation.
Eurofighter procurement also planned
In addition to nuclear participation, the Bundeswehr also uses the Tornados for electronic air combat: disrupting, suppressing and attacking enemy air defense positions. According to dpa information, 15 more Eurofighters are to be purchased for this task. However, the manufacturer Airbus still has to equip them technically in the coming years, which is considered to be very demanding. The F-35s are already equipped for limited electronic combat.
Tornado successor agreed in coalition agreement
Because of the Russian aggression, a significant upgrade of the Bundeswehr is planned. Chancellor Scholz has announced a one-time “special fund” of 100 billion euros and a significant increase in annual defense spending. In the future, more than two percent of the gross domestic product is to be invested in defense every year.
The procurement of a Tornado successor had agreed the traffic light factions in the coalition agreement. The defense policy spokeswoman for the FDP, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, had demanded against the background of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine at the end of February: “The Tornado successor still belongs on the table as a first step. Now the F-35 has to the most modern combat aircraft in the world and used by many of our partners.” The war in Ukraine clearly shows that “attacks are carried out from the air and must be answered or prevented accordingly”.