Germany acknowledges inability of its Tornado jets to perform NATO missions
German Tornado aircraft do not meet the technical standards of the North Atlantic Alliance, German magazine Der Spiegel reported, citing a confidential report of the German Defense Ministry. The magazine revealed that all 93 combat aircraft need large-scale modernization that will cost millions.
In their current condition, German Tornados should "no longer participate in any NATO operation," Der Spiegel stated. The confidential report of the Ministry of Defense explained that the aircraft is not sufficiently equipped to defend against communications surveillance. The military jets do not possess an encrypted communication system, which is mandatory in NATO missions. Further, the electronic equipment does not have a friend-or-foe detection system, making it "completely outdated."
The ministry concluded that in such a state, carrying out military tasks becomes "obviously risky." Due to worn-out fighters, "Germany can no longer fulfill its commitments to NATO,” the ministry summed up.
The Bundeswehr (Unified Armed Forces of Germany) adds that it will take a lot of time to correct the Tornado’s flaws. It will not be possible to do so at least until 2019 and the question of whether aircraft modernization is feasible remains open.
Tornado warplanes were developed in the 1970s and have entered service in a number of states since the early 1980s. Now they are taking part in the mission of the international coalition against the terrorist group Islamic State. Earlier, Germany said that they planned to use Tornado until 2035.
In mid-March, it was reported that the Chief of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force), Lieutenant-General Karl Müllner would be fired for lobbying Germany's procurement of American F-35 fighters that were ranked among the most unsuccessful in their roles.