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GERMAN DEFENCE CUTS HIT MANY PROGRAMMES

• The Eurofighter 2000 project will basically continue as planned. It will also naturally be fitted with the weapon systems it needs,” said the Minister.
• With regard to the air-to-air short-range IRIS-T missile, “We have, however, already reduced the requirement from 1,812 to 1,250 missiles,” explained Struck. The parliamentary procurement decision is “planned for the spring of 2003”.
• As regards the Meteor, we intend … if possible to make a final decision in 2002 regarding a German involvement in development,” said Struck. “However, given the altered threat situation in Europe, we intend to reduce significantly the numbers procured from the original 1,488 to 600 missiles. This will be sufficient for the most likely mission option within the framework of crisis management operations.” The United Kingdom, France, Italy, Sweden and Spain are all committed to the medium-range air-to-air Meteor guided missile, the development MoU having been signed at the end of 2001.
• Procurement of the Airbus A400M transporter is, according to Struck, “definitely going ahead. However, in consultation with our partners we are cutting back the number Germany is to purchase to 60 aircraft. This reduction is justified by the fact that, in my opinion, it is not necessary to provide aircraft for several operations running in parallel and also for simultaneous peacetime flying operations to the extent previously planned.”
• The reduction by 13 aircraft will bring savings, but not proportionally. The development costs will now have to be spread over fewer aircraft, which will “marginally” increase the unit price by about one per cent (Struck) to approx. Euro 87 million. The exact cost of the A400M will now have to be clarified in fresh negotiations with industry. Experience suggests that, not least due to the redistribution of workshares, this will take several months. The earliest delivery date will now be 2009. The United Kingdom is meanwhile planning for initial operational capability (with seven aircraft) in June 2010.
• The “hitherto inadequate electronic protection of the Transall and its crew against the threat from air defence missiles” is to be improved.
• “We are developing the combat search and rescue (CSAR) capability of the NH90,” Struck promised. “This will facilitate the rescue and return of pilots and crew who have been shot down or forced to make an emergency landing. The CSAR package consists primarily of upgraded communications facilities (data modem), defensive aids for the helicopter including Stinger, and the possibility of in-flight refuelling.”

• “A tri-service review is required of procurement by type, number, configuration and holding in service of helicopters,” said Struck. This means that the “extent of procurement” for the Eurocopter Tiger and NH90 must be re-examined, along with the early retirement of the Bell UH-1D and extension of the service life of the CH-53G. 80 Tigers are now in prospect instead of the previous 212.
• The number of Tornados and, above all, the investment in modernisation and prolonging their service life must be examined. There is speculation that a further Luftwaffe fighter bomber wing or Naval Aviation Wing 2 in Eggebek could be disbanded.
• The “continued use of the over 40-year-old F-4F Phantom fighter aircraft” appears unlikely.
• With regard to ground-based air defence, concentration on the Patriot weapon system could save the “disproportionately high costs of operating” the “outdated” Hawk air-defence missiles and the Roland.
• Struck would like to retain the maritime reconnaissance capability. “Primarily, this should be provided within the framework of multi-national co-operation within Europe,” according to the Defence Minister.