The US F-35 fighter jets are to be purchased to replace the Bundeswehr’s old Tornados. But in the Ministry of Defense there are probably concerns about the purchase. Therefore, there will now be an emergency meeting in the Ministry of Defence.
Tomorrow, Monday, there will be a crisis meeting of the Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg) with the responsible members of the Budget Committee on the planned procurement of the new F-35 combat aircraft. This is reported by the “Bild am Sonntag”. The trigger is the secret procurement proposal that the Budget Committee is scheduled to release on December 14th.
According to the federal government’s plans, 35 American stealth bombers, including armament, are to be purchased for 9.99 billion euros. In the procurement proposal, the BMVg warns of significant risks in the business. It is unclear whether the Bundeswehr will have the airfield in Büchel converted for the F-35 jets by 2026. The security requirements of the USA are extremely complex. “Therefore, delays and additional costs until the start of flight operations cannot be ruled out,” write the officials of Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD).
In addition, the BMVg does not want to guarantee that the F-35 can be used in Germany as planned. According to the ministry, there is a risk that national approval for flight operations cannot be granted in a timely manner. “Flight operations could then only be started with restrictions,” says the template.
Harsh criticism comes from the householders. Andreas Schwarz (SPD), chief rapporteur on the defense budget in the Budget Committee, said “Bild am Sonntag”: “It is unacceptable that Parliament is only now learning about the problems. I expect the ministry to provide comprehensive information on how it intends to get the risks under control. Attempts are being made here to get rid of responsibility.”
