F-35 debate intensifies across Germany and Europe

https://harici.com.tr/en/f-35-debate-intensifies-across-germany-and-europe/?amp=1

Posted by Leather-Paramedic-10

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  2. Quite frankly there is a capability gap here that there is no current realistic replacement for Germany besides the F35 for their Tornado fighter bombers and Tornado ECRs.

    You could replace them with a Rafale, but again the F35 is superior for the role.

    The Gripen is already reliant on US technology anyways so why buy a less superior aircraft that to my knowledge can’t perform SEAD and can’t deliver a nuclear gravity bomb.

    You either buy the F35 or hope FCAS comes even quicker so you can start taking on orders. But FCAS is not expected to have even its initial flight demonstrators until 2027 and enter into service until 2040.

    Germany needs to replace the Tornados now because their aging so much and the stress on the airframes is very real.

    Germany’s only real option is the superior F35 or the Rafale. Besides the whole point is Germany will be delivering American gravity bombs anyways.

    There are other systems that you can move away from US products on (but I don’t think they will at this time either). You can move away from American Air Defense (Patriots), M270 MLRS (Buy Korean or develop homemade), Buy Euro MANPADS instead of Stingers, Get rid of the Boeing E-3 AWACS, Get rid of the P3 Orions and cancel the P8 Poseidon orders, etc

  3. The problem with the Rafale very specifically is that it isn’t cheaper. They’re like 20 million USD more per plane because they don’t produce it at scale.

  4. Guess the UK and Europe better start expiditing the sixth generation Tempest if they are able then. If all of Europe went in on it I wonder how long it would take.

  5. Honestly, it makes zero sense purchasing F-35 anymore. US needs to comprehensively re-evaluate their priorities and until this is concluded high-tech and long lead tech doesn’t make a lot of sense to share. Especially with the alignment with Russia.

    This probably means continuing to fly 4.5 gen fighters beyond what would be ideal and investing full steam into a European only 5th or 6th Gen and copying the Soviets in terms of investment in high level air defence.

    This was something that was attractive 20 years ago, now it’s essential.

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