From Cold War Icon to Modern Warfare, The Panavia Tornado Turns 50

On August 14, 2024, the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the Panavia Tornado was celebrated. This iconic supersonic combat aircraft was developed during the height of the Cold War by a British-German-Italian consortium. Over five decades, nearly 1,000 units were produced in various versions, including IDS for ground attack, ADS for air defense, and ECR for electronic warfare and reconnaissance.

The Tornado entered service in 1979 and quickly became a cornerstone of the air forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. Although initially designed to counter the Soviet threat in Europe, the Tornado played an active role in numerous post-Cold War conflicts, such as the Gulf War, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. During the Gulf War in 1991, for example, the Tornado conducted low-altitude bombing missions in a highly dangerous environment, proving its effectiveness and robustness in combat.

Currently, both Germany's Luftwaffe and Italy's Aeronautica Militare continue to operate Tornados, although both countries plan to replace them with the F-35A. Italy expects to retire its last Tornado by 2025, while Germany plans to do so between 2026 and 2030. The UK's Royal Air Force retired its last Tornados in 2019, marking the end of an era.

The Tornado also had one export customer, Saudi Arabia, which acquired 120 of these aircraft, with approximately 80 still in operation. Besides its combat role, the Tornado has undergone continuous upgrades and modernizations over the years to maintain its relevance in the face of evolving threats.

In March 2024, the German Air Force and Airbus unveiled a special livery on one of the remaining Tornados in service, in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of this remarkable aircraft, which remains a testament to international collaboration and engineering excellence.

Germany To Arm Their Eurofighters With Brimstone Missiles

The German Armed Forces' (Bundeswehr) plans to equip their Eurofighter aircraft with Brimstone anti-tank guided missiles, manufactured by the European defense company MBDA. According to Germany's defense procurement plans, they intend to purchase 274 Brimstone missiles, with the Eurofighter Typhoon jets of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) set to carry this new weapon system. The procurement is expected to involve the signing of a contract in the second quarter of the year.

Arming the German Eurofighter jets with Brimstone missiles will provide them with the capability to strike against surface targets. The Brimstone missile, with a reported range of approximately 20 km when fired from aircraft, has been previously integrated with Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Britain's Tornado jets.

The Brimstone has been operationally deployed in conflicts such as Afghanistan and Libya, proving to be effective in performing surgical strikes in time-critical missions with day and night capabilities. The Brimstone anti-tank missiles are currently in use in the high-intensity conflict in Ukraine, where the Armed Forces of Ukraine deploy them on ground vehicles.

Spanish Ejército del Aire 14th Wing Based in Albacete will conduct maneuvers in Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, and India during 2024

 

According to statements made by the Chief Colonel of the 14th Wing of the Spanish Air Force last December, as part of a military festivity, the 14th Wing will engage in maneuvers alongside the German Luftwaffe and the French Armée de L'Air in Alaska (USA), Japan, and Hawaii between June and August 2024. This presents a significant challenge for the unit, which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024.

Established in 1974 to operate the Dassault Aviation Mirage F-1, one of the most advanced fighters of its time, the 14th Wing was located in Albacete at the decision of the Ministry of the Air. Prior to that, the base hosted the 37th Transport Wing equipped with DHC-4 Caribou aircraft.

The first 4 Mirage F1 arrived in Albacete on June 18, 1975, from the French airbase Mont de Marsans, part of an initial order of 48 units. In 2011, the transformation process to the Eurofighter began, and the wing currently operates around 35 units.

The Luftwaffe will lead these deployments, following a similar deployment in 2022 called Rapid Pacific in the Asia-Pacific region, involving 6 Eurofighters, 4 A400M transport aircraft, and 3 A330 MRTT tanker aircraft. The objective was to practice deployment and interoperability with allied countries from different continents if the need arises.

Initially, the 14th Wing will fly with 4 Eurofighters to Alaska for the Arctic Defender 2024 exercise, alongside 8 German Eurofighters, 12 Tornados, and 6 French Rafales, as well as A400M and A330 MRTT transport aircraft from all three countries.

After participating in this exercise, the next stop will be Japan for interoperability exercises with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Subsequently, the aircraft will move to Hawaii to take part in the RIMPAC exercises organized by the US Navy.

Towards the end of July, the 14th Wing will participate in the 'Pitch Black' exercises in Australia, and the final leg will be in India, with the intention of joining the 'Tarang Shakti' exercises with the Indian Air Force, before returning to Europe.

However, this won't be the first time the 14th Wing has participated in maneuvers in such distant locations. In 2002, the wing took part in the Cope Thunder exercise in Alaska alongside aircraft from the USA, France, and Japan.

"Leading Company Proposes an Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Aircraft to Spain to Fill Critical Capability Gap"

INDRA, a Spanish company specializing in defense technology, unveiled a significant project at the November 2023 International Fighter Conference in Madrid. During the event, they presented a detailed video showcasing the capabilities of a modified Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft.

The video prominently displays a Bombardier Global 6000 transformed into a SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) aircraft with the livery of the Spanish Air Force, explicitly showcasing the aircraft in the colors and with the titles 'Ejército del Aire y del Espacio' (Spanish Air Force).

The aircraft exhibits Integrated Airborne Signal Intelligence Solution and Air SIGINT systems developed by INDRA. Highlighted aspects and functions in the video include the capacity for monitoring the entire spectrum, real-time depiction and information management, data analysis, data fusion, collaborative functions, and air command and control.

This project bears similarity to the one undertaken by the German Luftwaffe involving three Global 6000 business jets set to become the Luftwaffe's new fleet of Pegasus SIGINT aircraft. These jets are currently undergoing extensive modification in Wichita, Kansas, with an expected service entry in 2026 and final deliveries in 2028.

The introduction of this system developed by the Spanish company is expected to fill a capability gap within the Spanish Air Force, which currently lacks dedicated intelligence aircraft. In 2015, the Spanish Air Force decommissioned the Boeing 707 351C Electronic Warfare aircraft, nicknamed 'The Spectrum Queen,' previously assigned to the 47 Mixed Group at Torrejón Air Base.

The Boeing 707 had the capability to intercept, monitor, and record communications or signals across the electromagnetic spectrum. It could detect and listen to enemy unit communications, map radars up to 500 kilometers away, and even video-record a target from a distance of 100 kilometers.

Since the retirement of the Boeing 707, the Spanish Air Force has tested at least one prototype intended as a replacement. This prototype, a Gulfstream G500 SEMA equipped with electronic surveillance technology, proved unsatisfactory and was discarded as a substitute for the B-707. Israel, a country that collaborated with Spain in the Boeing 707's service entry, possesses two similar aircraft modified by Israel Aerospace Industries.

Following these developments, INTEL SIGINT missions continued using a C-212 Aviocar and a Falcon 20 for electronic warfare, albeit with significantly reduced capabilities compared to the Boeing 707. However, these aircraft have also been retired.

Budgetary constraints have hindered the acquisition of a new SIGINT platform since then, exacerbated by strong public spending restrictions imposed by the European Union on Spain since 2012.

Given the critical nature of such missions for gaining an advantage in potential conflicts, Spain's neighbor, Morocco, has planned the acquisition of four G550 AEW aircraft for surveillance, warfare, and electronic intelligence missions. These aircraft will be equipped in Israel by IAI and are already in service in Australia, Israel, Italy, and Singapore.

Moreover, Spain recently retired its last operational Lockheed P-3M Orion maritime patrol aircraft in December 2022, leaving a gap in the Spanish Air Force's capability for maritime patrols and long-range search and rescue (SAR) missions.

To address this gap, Airbus will supply 16 C295W aircraft. Six of these will serve in maritime patrol (MPA) roles, while the remaining 10 will conduct maritime surveillance (MSA) missions. These aircraft will feature the latest Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) and mission-specific systems enabling anti-submarine warfare operations. Additionally, it appears these aircraft will be equipped with a magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) system.

Germany Orders 82 Airbus H145M Helicopters for Military Modernization and to Phase Out Highly Troubled Tiger Combat Helicopters

 

Germany Orders 82 Airbus H145M Helicopters for Military Modernization and to Phase Out Tiger Combat Helicopters

Germany has initiated a significant overhaul of its military helicopter fleet with the procurement of up to 82 light-attack versions of Airbus Helicopters' H145 twin-engine aircraft. This acquisition, announced as the largest order for the armed H145M model, is designed to temporarily replace the German Army's Tiger attack helicopters, which have encountered operational challenges.

The decision, confirmed by the German Parliament's budget committee on December 13, led to an immediate commissioning of Airbus to supply the helicopters by Germany's defense materiel agency—the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support.

The €100 billion ($109 billion) special fund allocated for military modernization in Germany will finance this procurement. Alongside the aircraft, the purchase includes spare parts, eight simulators, training for both flight and technical personnel, and operational services over a seven-year period.

Of the 82 helicopters, the German Army will receive 57 units, while the Luftwaffe's special forces will acquire five, supplementing the 15 H145Ms already in service. There is an option for an additional 20 helicopters, bringing the total potential procurement to 82.

The strategic shift towards H145M helicopters, recognized as a "lightweight attack helicopter" (LKH) by the German defense materiel agency, underscores a reevaluation prompted by geopolitical events such as Russia's actions in Ukraine. These new helicopters are expected to serve a multi-role purpose for both the army and the air force.

Notably, the H145M, with its adaptable mission capabilities, is poised to fill various roles, including light attack, training, and liaison tasks. Germany's choice of an available helicopter type, already in use by special forces and in rescue missions, aligns with the immediate operational requirements and negates the need for costly type transfers.

Airbus Helicopters' CEO Bruno Even expressed pride in securing the order, emphasizing the H145M's operational versatility and Airbus's commitment to a prompt delivery schedule. The first batch of helicopters is slated for delivery in 2024, less than a year after the contract signing.

These helicopters will be equipped with HForce, a weapon management system developed by Airbus, enabling training consistency for pilots and operational personnel. The H145M, a variant of the H145 family, known for its reliability, will play a pivotal role in enhancing Germany's military capabilities.

This procurement marks a substantial advancement in Germany's military modernization efforts and signals a strategic transition to advanced and adaptable helicopter technology, ensuring heightened defense readiness in response to evolving security challenges.

Eurofighter's Electronic Combat Version Development by Airbus Gets Green Light

The Eurofighter EK (Electronic Combat) program is on the horizon, marking a significant step following the recent endorsement by the German budget committee. Airbus is poised to outfit 15 German Eurofighters for electronic combat capabilities, incorporating a transmitter location system and self-protection technology from Saab, alongside the inclusion of "AARGM" anti-radar missiles sourced from American firm Northrop Grumman. The envisaged goal for the Eurofighter EK is to achieve NATO certification by 2030, heralding the replacement of the Tornado in the critical SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence) role.

"Electronic warfare and reconnaissance stand as pivotal requirements for NATO: ongoing conflicts and the prevailing security landscape underscore the indispensability of these capabilities," remarked Michael Schöllhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. "The decision by the German government to integrate electronic warfare as a crucial facet within the Eurofighter's capabilities is a substantial stride. EK will augment this vital capability within the already expansive operational spectrum of the Eurofighter, fortifying European sovereignty and autonomy."

With the resounding parliamentary approval from the Budget Committee, the Eurofighter has now been officially designated as the successor to the Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance). Airbus eagerly anticipates the formal order to incorporate the specified technical solutions into the Eurofighter. The forthcoming contract between Eurofighter GmbH, as the prime contractor, and NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) is slated for signing before year-end.

Leveraging Saab’s transmitter location system and the Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) by Northrop Grumman, the Eurofighter EK is primed to identify, localize, and neutralize anti-aircraft radar systems. Furthermore, the Saab solution integrates jammers enhancing the Eurofighter's self-defense capabilities. Notably, the Eurofighter EK incorporates technologies developed by small and medium-sized enterprises alongside a start-up. Among these advancements is an AI solution enabling onboard radar data analysis for swift and precise self-protection measures.

At present, Airbus is collaborating closely with the BAAINBw procurement office, the German Air Force, and the Bundeswehr Aviation Office to craft a detailed schedule for implementing the selected EK solutions across the 15 Eurofighters.

NEWS 2022 March, 14

Germany to buy up to 35 Lockheed F-35 fighter jets to replace its Tornados

Germany will purchase F-35 fighter jetsto replace its ageing Tornado aircraft, according to two government sources, with one of the sources saying Berlin aims to buy up to 35 units.

The Tornado is the only German jet capable of carrying U.S. nuclear bombs, stored in Germany, Berlin is planning to phase it out between 2025 and 2030.

The decision could also upset, concerned a deal could undermine the development of a joint Franco-German fighter jet that is supposed to be ready in the 2040s, the FCAS programme.

reuters

First RQ-4B for JASDF arrives in Japan

The delivery comes nearly a year after Northrop Grumman flew Japan’s first RQ-4B in April 2021.

Japan is buying three examples of the RQ-4 Block 30(I) UAV. A Foreign Military Sales programme deal for the ISR aircraft was approved by the US Department of State in 2015.

Other customers for the RQ-4 are NATO and South Korea.

The US Air Force (USAF), NATO and South Korea are also customers for the RQ-4. The US Navy and Royal Australian Air Force are customers for the MQ-4 Triton, which is designed for the maritime patrol mission.

flightglobal

Germany to form A400M Multinational Air Transport Unit with Hungary

Germany is establishing a new multinational unit to operate the Airbus A400M transport aircraft, with Hungary committed as its first partner.
The Bundeswehr announced on 17 September that the Multinational Air Transport Unit (MNAU) was being established at Wunstorf Air Base in northern Germany, home to the Luftwaffe’s A400M force. 
This new international unit will relocate to Lechfeld Air Base in the far south of the country with 10 of the Luftwaffe’s 53 contracted A400Ms, as well as additional A400Ms that might be provided by partner nations. 

janes

Germany approves Super Hornet/Growler buy to replace Tornado fleet

The German government has approved the procurement of the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler to partially satisfy its Tornado replacement requirement, national media has reported.
German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has told the US government that Berlin has given clearance for the Luftwaffe to acquire 45 Super Hornet and Growler aircraft as part of its wider plans to replace 90 Panavia Tornado Interdiction and Strike (IDS)/Electronic Combat Reconnaissance (ECR) aircraft with 85 new platforms from 2025.
The 30 Super Hornet multirole and 15 Growler electronic attack (EA) jets would enable the Luftwaffe to fulfil its airborne nuclear strike and EA requirements within the required timeframe, Der Spiegel reported Kramp-Karrenbauer as saying in mid-April. The remaining 40 aircraft would comprise additional Eurofighters to add to the 143 already received (of these, 38 early Tranche 1 aircraft are set to be replaced by the same number of Tranche 3 aircraft
janes

Germany withdraws Tornados from Jordan, deploys radar system in Iraq

In its capacity as a member of the international coalition against Daesh, Germany will withdraw its Tornado reconnaissance aircraft in Jordan and instead install a radar system for air defense in western Iraq.
The jets have until recently been used against Daesh across Syria and Iraq; however, the German Council of Ministers has since adopted amendments that envision changes in the mandate of 700 soldiers serving within the framework of the international coalition.
The country's Tornado reconnaissance jets in Jordan are scheduled to be withdrawn at the end of the month. However, in order for the Tornado jets to retreat, another country must be able to take over reconnaissance flights, according to the plan adopted by the Council of Ministers.
dailysabah

Germany cleared by US State Department to Buy 6 KC/C-130Js

The U.S. State Department has cleared the potential sale of three C-130J-30 Super Hercules airlifter and three KC-130J tankers to Germany.
The aircraft are meant to help the German Air Force conduct airlift, air refueling and air drop missions as part of a French-German allied squadron based in Evreux, France. The C-130Js would provide crucial air refueling capability to German and French fighter and light transport aircraft, as well as helicopters, according to the annoucement.
defensenews

Germany To Acquire 6 C-130J Super Hercules

The US State Department approved the sale of six Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules transport and tanker aircraft to Germany for an estimated $1.4 billion, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The approval comes as the aircraft’s larger European competitor, Airbus Defence & Space’s A400M transport aircraft, has struggled with production issues and has ramped down its delivery rate. Germany is a launch customer for the A400M, along with European NATO nations Spain, Belgium, Britain, France, Luxembourg and Turkey.
Lockheed Martin’s potential sale includes three C-130J-30s, the stretch version of the aircraft, and three KC-130Js, the aerial refueling version of the aircraft.
flightglobal

Germany fears steeper Tornado costs after the UK ditches its planes

The planned phasing out of the United Kingdom’s last Tornado aircraft has German officials scrambling to deal with the increasing costs of a shrinking fleet.
Continuing aircraft reductions in the tri-national program, which also includes Italy, have led to “significant technical, logistical and financial risk” in maintaining the 1980s-era fighter-bombers, officials have told lawmakers in a confidential report seen by Defense News.
While the prospect of Britain’s exit from the aircraft program has been known since November 2016, there is “no sufficient and comprehensive planning in place” for sustaining the remaining German planes, the report warns.
German defense leaders decided in 2016 to extend the life of the Tornado through 2035, with an assessment planned this summer of implementation plans to that end. Berlin originally purchased 357 aircraft; 93 are still in the inventory today, 88 of which belong to the Luftwaffe, according to the defense ministry.
A handful of German Tornados packed with reconnaissance equipment are currently deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, flying missions over Iraq and Syria.
The defense ministry’s March 2018 report leaves open the question of how, and if, the UK would retain some kind of role in the program. Last November, the document states, there was talk about introducing a new, fixed scheme for financial contributions, abandoning the practice of going by the number of airframes used in each nation.
The British plan to use the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-35 to absorb missions flown by Tornados. In Germany, the Typhoon appears to be the defense ministry’s preference for a follow-on aircraft, though there are also voices advocating for the F-35. Officials have requested information on both planes from the manufacturers, plus data from the maker of the F-18 and the F-15.
defensenews

Luftwaffe German Tornados unsuitable for NATO missions

The German armed forces may not be able to use the Tornado fighter jet for NATO missions, according to a defense ministry report seen by Reuters.
The report says that so far, it has not been possible to build an encryption device for secure data transfer into the jet, which entered service in the 1970s.
The communication devices of the Tornado also do not meet current standards, the report said, meaning there’s a risk that information could be intercepted.
“This could in the worst case mean that the demand for an encrypted communication system for the Tornado weapons system can’t be achieved. That means the Tornado weapons system may not take part in NATO missions,” the report states.
A spokesman for the German air force said its 10 Tornado jets registered for the NATO Response Force met current requirements, without providing further details.
Germany wants to start phasing out the Tornado jets in 2025 and the defense ministry has said that the Eurofighter Typhoon is the leading candidate.
reuters

Germany declares preference for F-35 to replace Tornado

The German Air Force has a shortlist of existing platforms to replace its Panavia Tornados from 2025 to 2030, but the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is the service’s “preferred choice", a senior service official said on 8 November.
Speaking under the Chatham House Rule, the official said that the F-35 already fulfils most of the requirements that the Luftwaffe requires to replace its Tornados in the 2025 to 2030 timeframe, and that it offers a number of other benefits besides.
“The Tornado replacement needs to be fifth-generation aircraft that can be detected as late as possible, if at all. It must be able to identify targets from a long way off and to target them as soon as possible.
“The German Ministry of Defence [MoD] is looking at several aircraft today, including the F-35 – it is commercially available already, has been ordered by many nations and is being introduced into service today, and has most of the capabilities required.”
Germany had previously engaged Airbus Defence and Space (DS) in defining the requirements for a future Tornado replacement under its Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme. However, the timelines involved of an anticipated retirement of the Tornado in about 2030 has caused the Luftwaffe to look instead at an already developed platform. As the official explained, “The timeframe suggests we need to start introducing successor in about 2025 to cover the Tornado retirement in 2030 – we need a five-year transition phase. That is only seven years away, and so it is very unlikely that industry could develop and introduce an entirely new aircraft type that fulfils the functionalities that we require. History show that the Eurofighter took 25 years before the first aircraft was introduced.”
Gareth Jennings - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

Germany and Norway place firm order for fleet of five NATO-owned Airbus A330 MRTT tankers

Airbus Defence and Space has received a firm order for five Airbus A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transports from Europe’s organisation for the management of cooperative armament programmes – OCCAR – on behalf of NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA) and funded by Germany and Norway.
The order follows the announcement on 29 June of a Memorandum of Understanding under which the two nations would join Netherlands and Luxembourg in the European/NATO Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) programme.
A contract amendment signed at the OCCAR headquarters in Bonn, Germany today adds five aircraft to the two previously ordered by Netherlands and Luxembourg and includes four additional options to enable other nations to join the grouping. It includes two years of initial support.
The programme is funded by the four nations who will have the exclusive right to operate these NATO–owned aircraft in a pooling arrangement. The aircraft will be configured for in-flight refuelling, the transport of passengers and cargo, and medical evacuation flights.
The first two aircraft have already been ordered to be delivered from Airbus Defence and Space’s tanker conversion line at Getafe near Madrid and all seven are expected to be handed over between 2020 and 2022.
airbus

Germany, Norway join European multinational MRTT program

NATO has taken an important step in improving its ability to refuel aircraft in mid-air, with two Allies joining a European programme to acquire and operate new tanker transport aircraft.
Defence Ministers from Germany and Norway joined a Memorandum of Understanding for a European multinational fleet of Airbus tanker transport aircraft, originally created by the lead-nation Netherlands and Luxembourg. The two countries launched the initiative in July 2016 by ordering two Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft, which are due to be delivered in 2020. With Germany and Norway joining the initiative, the fleet is expected to expand to up to seven aircraft.
This multinational fleet arrangement is a concrete step towards reducing the overall European shortage in air-to-air refueling and the over-reliance on U.S. capabilities. At today’s signing ceremony, Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment Camille Grand stressed that “this initiative highlights the value of a multinational approach to capability development – working together provides cost-effective and flexible solutions.”
Belgium intends to join this programme in early 2018, and the initiative remains open to other new members. The procurement programme is another example of the increasingly close cooperation between NATO and the European Union.
nato

Germany says only one of 8 A400M transports ready for use

Only one of Germany's eight Airbus A400M military transport planes is currently ready for use, the German air force said on Thursday, days after one of the aircraft broke down during the German defense minister's visit to Lithuania.
A spokesman for the Luftwaffe said three aircraft, including the one stranded in Lithuania, were out for unscheduled repairs, with two more in planned inspections and one receiving scheduled retrofits. The seventh aircraft was still going through the acceptance process after arriving on Jan. 31, he said.
"Of course, we'd like to have more of the aircraft ready for use, but it's also normal that aircraft need to be inspected and maintained," the spokesman said.
German officials said on Thursday they were still investigating what caused an oil leak in one of the four engines on the aircraft that carried Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen to Lithuania, and whether it marked a new technical problem for Europe's largest defense project.
Airbus declined comment on the air force data. The company, which has written off over 5 billion euros on the program after gearbox problems and fuselage cracks, said it is doing all it can to support the current investigation.
Tobias Lindner, a Green party lawmaker and member of parliament, said the latest incident reflected continuing problems with the A400M, and particularly its engines, and he was concerned it could further stall aircraft deliveries.
Airbus has told the German defense ministry that it plans to deliver 10 aircraft this year, down from 12 aircraft initially planned, and 13 in 2018, down from 14 planned.
The defense ministry told Lindner last month that it had asked for compensation of 39.4 million euros from Airbus for delayed deliveries of the first 5 aircraft, of which 27.2 million euros had been received. Payments for the first and fifth aircraft were still being discussed.
Technical problems have put the A400M program years behind schedule, with Germany's share of the costs having risen to 9.6 billion euros ($10.2 billion) from an initial estimate of 8.1 billion.
Germany is the largest customer for A400M, which was initially developed for seven European NATO nations at a cost of 20 billion euros.
reuters

Germany may buy as many as six C-130Js

Germany has signalled its intention to acquire as many as six Lockheed Martin C-130J tactical transports as its frustrations deepen with the underperforming Airbus Defence & Space A400M.
As part of a memorandum of understanding with France, signed by the defence ministers from both countries, the Hercules would be part of a “common air transport squadron” to be created by 2021.
“According to current demand forecasts, four to six German aircraft in the common transport squadron are planned,” says the country’s defence ministry, which would station the C-130J fleet in France.
flightglobal

Germany to choose between Chinook and CH-53K for heavy-lift successor

Germany is moving ahead with an acquisition programme to replace its air force's Sikorsky CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters, with the choice narrowed to two types.
One key driver for Berlin's effort under the fledgling heavy transport helicopter project is the need to purchase a rotorcraft already in production, rather than launching a clean-sheet development programme.
Luftwaffe capability manager in charge of the programme, says only two heavy-lift helicopters effectively meet that requirement: the Boeing CH-47F Chinook and Sikorsky's CH-53K King Stallion – being developed for the US Marine Corps.
As the helicopter will be used to support special forces operations and combat search and rescue tasks, an aerial refuelling capability is required, he says. However, Germany presently has no tankers suitable for the role. Although it is a customer of the Airbus Defence & Space A400M, the tactical airlifter is unable to perform in-flight refuelling of rotorcraft.
flightglobal