Germany Selects Future Nuclear Strike Fighter

In a Bundeswehr (Federal Defence) Press Release,the German Ministry of Defence announced on 14 March 2022 it has selected the successor to the TORNADO weapon system.Secretary of Defence Christine Lambrecht has initiated the procurement of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighter for the task of nuclear sharing,saying: The F-35 offers unique potential for cooperation with our NATO Allies and other Partners in Europe.* So the F-35A beat out competitor the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.The ageing fleet of 93 Panavia TORNADO fighter bombers needs replacement,and the 35 F-35As will remain assertive in future scenarios,the possible missions in the context of national and Alliance defence.In light of the current security policy situation (Russian aggression against Ukraine),the F-35A is the right system for credible Alliance unity,capability and deterrence.* For the electronic warfare mission,the MOD will rely on further development of the Eurofighter Typhoon.This will serve until the Next Generation Fighter (NGF) debuts in 2040.Thus the two-fleet concept is sustained,which has proven itself in the Luftwaffe (Air Force) for decades and made an important contribution to the operational readiness and resilience of the combat aircraft fleet,the Bundeswehr said.* Under NATO'S dual key nuclear deterrent programme,the US B61-12 tactical nuclear weapon is stored on German bases,as well as bases in NATO Allies Belgium,Italy,the Netherlands and Turkey.In the event of a crisis,tactical nuclear weapons may be mounted on Alliance nuclear-capable aircraft.* Lockheed Martin (LMT),Boeing (BA)

Germany to Maintain Nuclear Relationship with the Pentagon

Surprising no one, the Federal Republic of Germany has decided to reaffirm its dual key nuclear deterrence relationship with the United States.The German government,led by long-time Chancellor Angela Merkel, will announce in May that it is purchasing 30 Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and 15 EA-18G Growler electronic attack/reconnaissance jets for the Luftwaffe​, German media report. The German magazine Der Spiegel reported that German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer told US Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper about the plan.The acquisition is part of a recapitalisation of the Luftwaffe.At the same time, several dozen Eurofighter Typhoon fighters will also be acquired.*

The Super Hornet is notably capable of carrying the new version of the American B61 nuclear bomb, the B61-12; while the Eurofighter is not.Thus the purchase of the Boeing planes will facilitate continuation of the current nuclear deal appoved by NATO'S Nuclear Committee.
Germany is one of five NATO Allies allowing the US to store nuclear weapons on its territory.The others are Belgium,Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey.In the event of a major conflict,both the US and the Ally would have to agree to deliver a nuclear  weapon on an enemy target.*
Two other NATO Allies, France and Great Britain, maintain an independent nuclear deterrent.*
Boeing (BA)