February 08, 2019
German F-35 decision sacrifices NATO capability for Franco-German industrial cooperation
While the German decision last week to remove the Lockheed Martin F-35 from consideration as a replacement for 90 aging Tornado fighters solidifies Franco-German industrial cooperation, it could come at the expense of making Germany’s Luftwaffe a less capable air force until at least 2040, when a new advanced Franco-German fighter becomes available.
The decision also places German domestic political considerations ahead of Germany’s leadership role in NATO. This would be understandable for a nation that does not perceive a significant military threat from Russia, but it is disturbing for those who emphasize the need to maximize NATO’s deterrent posture in the East. The decision should be reconsidered.
Read the full article in Defense News.
More from CNAS
-
Brussels Sprouts LIVE: Transatlantic Turbulence and the Future Role of the U.S. in European Security
Podcast
In Munich and Brussels last week, the Trump administration signaled a seismic shift in U.S. policy toward its European allies. Since World War II, the United States has been t...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Jim Townsend, Emma Ashford & Stephen Wertheim
-
China’s Role in the Axis of Autocracy
Congressional Testimony
As defense cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea grows, it will enable these countries to offset vulnerabilities relative to the United States....
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor
-
Trump and Zelenskyy Feud, DOGE Savings Claims, Hamas Releases Four Hostage Bodies
Podcast
A look at the roots of the difficult relationship between President Trump and President Zelenskyy with Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a senior fellow and director of the Transatlantic...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor
-
Ukraine Symposium – The Continuing Autonomous Arms Race
Commentary
This war-powered technology race does not appear to be losing steam, and what happens on the battlefields of Ukraine can potentially define how belligerents use military auton...
By Samuel Bendett
