The German ministry of defence (MoD) proposes to slash the country's requirement for Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters to 110, according to a report on restructuring the armed forces which is due to be considered by parliament later this year.
The government report - Cornerstones of a Fundamental Renewal - reveals Berlin's intention to reduce attack helicopter numbers by 45%. It originally intended to buy 212 Tigers, to serve as the basis for allocating workshare between Germany and France. The two countries signed production contracts for initial batches of 80 aircraft each on 18 June last year.
The MoD declines to comment on the Tiger figures in the report. "We have ongoing budget discussions in parliament," it says. "We will look at a figure that is appropriate for the future structure of the German armed forces but it is premature to make a final decision."
Meanwhile, the government has announced that the country's air force, navy and army will be augmented by a general medical service and territorial army. Under the proposals the air force will be restructured, losing five wings.
Source: Flight International
