THE GERMAN AIR FORCE is considering a possible order for an additional 20 Eurofighter 2000s, within weeks of persuading the German parliament to raise the country's production offtake from 140 to 180 aircraft.
The issue has not been raised publicly for fear of stirring up renewed opposition to the programme. Sources in Bonn confirm, however, that Germany will eventually need the additional aircraft to meet its training needs.
One senior defence official says that the air force's training needs "...might lead to a later procurement of 15 to 20 aircraft". Future needs for a manned, reconnaissance capability may also play a role in an additional order.
Attempting to play down the issue, the defence ministry says: "There is no reason to discuss other numbers than those already told to parliament: that's what the air force thinks it is necessary to have up to 2020."
Sources close to the discussions say that the potential extra requirement is connected with air force proposals to centralise Eurofighter training at Holloman AFB at New Mexico in the USA. The German air force now has seven McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantoms stationed at Holloman, with 40 Northrop T-38A Talons and 34 Cessna T-37Bs for basic jet training at Sheppard AFB, Texas, and is now implementing a two-stage plan to move Panavia Tornado training across the Atlantic.
Source: Flight International
