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[Hiryu2.0]

aztakurvaélet.. bear, you will suck

Finland seals deal for U.S. F-35 stealth jets, reflecting tight ties to NATO

Finland has sealed a deal to buy dozens of F-35 stealth warplanes from the United States, in a sign of its military's close ties with NATO at a time of high tension between the West and Russia in Europe.

www.reuters.com

 

[muck]

German daily 'Bild' reports that the German government will place an order for up to 40 Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth multi-role fighter jets just before Easter. Airbus will be given a contract to develop an electronic warfare variant of the Eurofighter Typhoon. (Source)

Looks like @Picanha's optimism was valid.

 

[Picanha]

Iris-T SLM got tested under "realistic conditions" whatever that entails.

Luftverteidigungssystem IRIS-T SLM erfolgreich getestet - marineforum

Diehl Defence hat gegen Ende des Jahres 2021 mit seinem bodengebundenen Luftverteidigungssystem IRIS-T SLM einen erneuten Benchmark gesetzt.

marineforum.online

A PDF brochure detailing the various Iris-T systems

https://pafsymposium.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/DIEHL__brochure_compressed.pdf

And a Diehl commercial also showing off some Iris-T systems. Iris-T shooting down drone flying behind a jet. The Ram block 2 is also interesting.

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So good steps ahead against drone and various other threats like missiles etc.

 

[Picanha]

Damen Naval Yards ordered MK41 launchers from Lockheed Martin for the F126 frigates

Fregatten F126 erhalten MK-41-Senkrechtstartsystem von Lockheed Martin

Die niederländische Werft Damen Naval hat Lockheed Martin mit der Lieferung des Startsystems MK 41 VLS für die Fregatten F126 beauftragt.

esut.de

 

[TheKiwi]

Ukraine conflict: Putin's war prompts dramatic German U-turn

Germany's new chancellor announces a massive increase in military spending as anti-war crowds gather.

www.bbc.com

$113 billion extra for Germany's armed forces. Money can't buy back time, but it does seem like a good thing. Any comments @muck , you've usually got some good insights into this.

 

[muck]

Suffice it to say I'm speechless. Only yesterday the whip of the Chancellor's party was still whining about an arms race being never the right answer and that the Russian attack on Ukraine had "proved" that deterrence is useless (!). And now this. From what I can tell, this sum – which amounts to twice the budget of 2021 – will be put to good use working through a long-existing laundry list. But that's not even the best part of it.

Olaf Scholz, bless his heart, decided not merely to pump money into the defence budget. He wants to establish a public estate of constitutional rank tied to re-armament. In other words, once the money is there, it's there. There will be no more haggling for each fiscal year and future governments can't use the money for anything else or terminate the estate. And unlike in the case of a regular budget, whatever money remains unspent at the end of 2022 (e.g. because a contract could not be signed in time) will not revert to the fisc. It will remain there.

Additionally, Scholz vowed Germany would spend "more than 2%" of her GDP on defence from now on (1.5% in 2021). With a GDP predicted to hit €3.77 trillion in 2022, that'd amount to a budget of at least €75 billion (€50.1 billion in 2021). And since Scholz has not only his majority behind him but also the largest caucus of the minority, it's safe to assume Germany will actually spend €175 billion or 4.6% of its GDP on defence in 2022.

A historic speech indeed. By the way, I watched it in its entirety. Contrary to what the BBC says above, only the hard left and hard right each didn't give Scholz a thunderous applause at that moment, groaning and booing instead. Now, in order to take the moral high ground the majority whips will probably declare a free vote (called a vote of conscience in German constitutional parlance). But I wouldn't expect much dissent at this point.

There's indeed something of a shock felt throughout this country and prominent Putinistas have either eaten humble pie or become disgraced in the eye of the public anyways. The left wing of each the Greens and the Social Democrats might abstain from voting (about two scores in total), but I can't imagine they'll vote against Scholz in droves. I'd be surprised if this bill was carried by anything less than a two-thirds majority.

 

[TheKiwi]

Thank you for the analysis. What items do you see on the Laundry List that should be addressed?

 

[muck]

By "laundry list" I meant projects already announced but only partly funded or postponed for either financial or political reasons. The following projects are definitively in the assessment pipeline, awaiting political green lights and further funding

• options for 2 more F126 class frigates
• some 80 to 100 wheeled howitzers for the light brigades
• an ATACMS-class ballistic missile or surface-launched cruise missile
• the replacing of the Tornado fighter bomber
• the replacing of the CH-53G transport helicopter
• some 60 light utility helicopters (allegedly the H145M is earmarked for that)
• the replacing of the Patriot air defence system
• the introduction of a the IRIS-T SLS/SLM air defence system
• the introduction of an infantry fighting vehicle based on the Boxer APC
• the replacing of the Wiesel weapons carrier for the parachute infantry
• light attack crafts for the naval infantry
• a second tranche of Puma infantry fighting vehicles, and an accelerated programme of retrofittal for the first tranche

Other projects which the military has been pushing for unsuccessfully (for now):

• the replacing of all Type 212A class submarines by Type 212CD's, of which only two are on order for now
• the upgrade of all Leopard 2 tanks with the trophy active protection system
• the purchase of more Leopard 2's
• an earlier start for the F127 air defence frigate programme
• more P-8A maritime patrol aircraft
• the replacing of the Tiger attack helicopter with the AH-64E

Scholz also indicated in his speech that he'd see the two important Franco-German programmes MGCS (to replace the Leopard 2) and FCAS (6th generation fighter jet) completed as soon as possible; maybe an injection of funds is underway to speed up both. But who knows what they're up to now. Scholz also spoke of the costs of "more personnel", which might indicate the previous models (which were based on much more pessimistic a financial outlook) have become redundant. I do hope they don't try to reinvent the wheel, we ain't got time for that.

 

[Fish&Chips]

By "laundry list" I meant projects already announced but only partly funded or postponed for either financial or political reasons. The following projects are definitively in the assessment pipeline, awaiting political green lights and further funding

• options for 2 more F126 class frigates
• some 80 to 100 wheeled howitzers for the light brigades
• an ATACMS-class ballistic missile or surface-launched cruise missile
• the replacing of the Tornado fighter bomber
• the replacing of the CH-53G transport helicopter
• some 60 light utility helicopters (allegedly the H145M is earmarked for that)
• the replacing of the Patriot air defence system
• the introduction of a the IRIS-T SLS/SLM air defence system
• the introduction of an infantry fighting vehicle based on the Boxer APC
• the replacing of the Wiesel weapons carrier for the parachute infantry
• light attack crafts for the naval infantry
• a second tranche of Puma infantry fighting vehicles, and an accelerated programme of retrofittal for the first tranche

Other projects which the military has been pushing for unsuccessfully (for now):

• the replacing of all Type 212A class submarines by Type 212CD's, of which only two are on order for now
• the upgrade of all Leopard 2 tanks with the trophy active protection system
• the purchase of more Leopard 2's
• an earlier start for the F127 air defence frigate programme
• more P-8A maritime patrol aircraft
• the replacing of the Tiger attack helicopter with the AH-64E

Scholz also indicated in his speech that he'd see the two important Franco-German programmes MGCS (to replace the Leopard 2) and FCAS (6th generation fighter jet) completed as soon as possible; maybe an injection of funds is underway to speed up both. But who knows what they're up to now. Scholz also spoke of the costs of "more personnel", which might indicate the previous models (which were based on much more pessimistic a financial outlook) have become redundant. I do hope they don't try to reinvent the wheel, we ain't got time for that.

That is an impressive list and time is nigh to have it worked off by the procurement department. So that financial booster shot is in fact more than welcome.

• some 80 to 100 wheeled howitzers for the light brigades
  • Do you mean "self-propelled" wheeled howitzers as in Caesar or Archer, or just towed barrels?
• some 60 light utility helicopters (allegedly the H145M is earmarked for that)
  • The H145M would make sense as the Luftwaffe operating a few of them.
• the introduction of an infantry fighting vehicle based on the Boxer APC
  • That thing is available off the shelf. So yes, time to buy a bunch of them.
• light attack crafts for the naval infantry
  • I hope that instead of trying to support the ailing German naval industry by asking for a bespoke domestic design in good old Bundeswehr procurement fashion, this item on the bucket list will be simply purchased in either one of the two countries east of Norway.
• the replacing of the Patriot air defence system
  • What are the current options?

As to all the things in "other projects": Yes, please! What I am missing though is the human factor. It may take an increase in troop numbers to operate all the new stuff that does not simply replace outdated gear.

 

[muck]

Do you mean "self-propelled" wheeled howitzers as in Caesar or Archer, or just towed barrels?

ES&T discussed the matter at length back when only the RCH module for the Boxer was nationally available. Then, Rheinmetall came along with a truck-based solution. It depends on what they want, really. Currently, they plan to attach one huge artillery regiment to every division, which would then assign battailons to the brigades on a need-to basis. I've seen two different ORBATs in the papers: one where all wheeled howitzers are concentrated in a "medium" division, and one where they're spread evenly across all regiments as a tactical reserve.

The H145M would make sense as the Luftwaffe operating a few of them.

It's pretty much set that it'll be the H145M, I think. In 2020, the Federal Court of Auditors criticised the entire programme (albeit during what can only be described as different times) as of "dubious utility".

That thing is available off the shelf. So yes, time to buy a bunch of them.

The project runs under the epithet of 'Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie'. All Jäger battailons and one mountain infantry battalion will receive this vehicle. The programme is allegedly on-track in bureaucratic terms.

I hope that instead of trying to support the ailing German naval industry by asking for a bespoke domestic design in good old Bundeswehr procurement fashion, this item on the bucket list will be simply purchased in either one of the two countries east of Norway.

Yes, apparently they want something from Sweden or Finland. I'll post a link once I'm home. The Seebataillon has been asking for organic crafts for years. I've seen Marineforum.online speculate their requests were only rejected because the admirals considered sea-going vessels sexier.

What are the current options?

Hard to tell. The TLVS programme was cancelled for fiscal reasons 14 months ago, to which MBDA responded by saying they'd lay off people en masse. Who knows how quickly they'll be able to respond to the new situation? At any rate, I don't see any other alternative.

As to all the things in "other projects": Yes, please! What I am missing though is the human factor. It may take an increase in troop numbers to operate all the new stuff that does not simply replace outdated gear.

Exactly. Scholz actually used the words "more personnel", but as it stands the armed forces struggle to attract recruits.

However, not only will a military that's not producing bad news about its state of readiness all the time be more attractive to potential recruits. The equipment is actually necessary to justify raising more troops (from a fiscal point of view).

 

[Fish&Chips]

ES&T discussed the matter at length back when only the RCH module for the Boxer was nationally available. Then, Rheinmetall came along with a truck-based solution. It depends on what they want, really. Currently, they plan to attach one huge artillery regiment to every division, which would then assign battailons to the brigades on a need-to basis. I've seen two different ORBATs in the papers: one where all wheeled howitzers are concentrated in a "medium" division, and one where they're spread evenly across all regiments as a tactical reserve.

Ah, yes. I forgot about the thing where they put the Pzh 2000 turret on a truck. Not a bad option in my opinion.

The project runs under the epithet of 'Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie'. All Jäger battailons and one mountain infantry battalion will receive this vehicle. The programme is allegedly on-track in bureaucratic terms.

That's great news!

Yes, apparently they want something from Sweden or Finland. The Seebataillon has been asking for organic crafts for years. I've seen commentors on Marineforum.online speculate that their requests were only rejected because the admirals considered sea-going vessels sexier.

?

 

[muck]

Responding to Russia's war on Ukraine, the German government leans towards reintroducing a compulsory service obligation for young Germans. While lawmakers say they believe the old model of conscription retired in 2011 will not return, citing the reduced personnel requirements of a modern military as being detrimental to guaranteeing the fairness of the draft, they do suggest to impose a one-year "obligation to serve society" on both genders. Young people would be able to chose between a number of institutions to join, including – apart from the military – e.g. a fire brigade, a rescue service or a voluntary humanitarian organisation. Draft fairness had been a thorny constitutional issue before 2011, with many young men being able to evade their obligation simply due to the reduced needs of a smaller and more modern post-Cold War era army. (Source)

 

[Fish&Chips]

Responding to Russia's war on Ukraine, the German government leans towards reintroducing a compulsory service obligation for young Germans. While lawmakers say they believe the old model of conscription retired in 2011 will not return, citing the reduced personnel requirements of a modern military as being detrimental to guaranteeing the fairness of the draft, they do suggest to impose a one-year "obligation to serve society" on both genders. Young people would be able to chose between a number of institutions to join, including – apart from the military – e.g. a fire brigade, a rescue service or a voluntary humanitarian organisation. Draft fairness had been a thorny constitutional issue before 2011, with many young men being able to evade their obligation simply due to the reduced needs of a smaller and more modern post-Cold War era army. (Source)

The good news keep coming in. Regarding this compulsory service, the decision makers may also want to evaluate the Norwegian model.

 

[muck]

What exactly do you mean by that?

 

[Fish&Chips]

What exactly do you mean by that?

Norway introduced a conscription of one year for men and women in 2015. However, you're not forced to serve. You may object due to conscientious issues, which is what we used to have before in the old draft system (Wehrdienstverweigerung). So as far as I can tell, that system is different from, say, the compulsory turn of service in the IDF.

What I meant above was that the legal framework, the terms and conditions, etc. of the Norwegian (or Swedish for that matter) conscription may serve as a role model for the planned return of a national service in Germany, especially regarding the gender aspect. I'm not talking about catering LBTQ needs or some such, but the old draft system was obviously centered on male recruits while the new proposal eyes a compulsory service for men and women. So while female service members can be found throughout all branches of Bundeswehr today, an increased influx may require additional standards for infrastructure, conduct and whatnot, and from I have seen and heard from Scandinavia their laid-back approach might just be fitting for a modern conscription in Germany.

 

[Connaught Ranger]

" The arrival of the military members of the NATO Response Force in Romania

Another 235 French military

and technical means, from the Battalion 27 of Annecy Mountain Hunters, led by Colonel Vincent Minguet, arrived on Tuesday, March 1, at the 57th Air Force Base Mihail Kogălniceanu, joining the 40 already arrivals Last few days in Romania.

The military were greeted by His Excellency, Mrs. Laurence Auer, Ambassador of the French Republic in Romania, and by the commander of the Multinational Command of the South - East Division, General - Major Cristian Dan.

The French Battalion represents the first ground element of the NATO Response Force dislocated in Romania following the decision of the North - Atlantic Council of February 25, 2022
***
NATO has activated defense plans in order to consolidate order and control of the Allied Forces and to facilitate the rapid reaction of military capabilities along the allied borders, and the precursor element of the 27th Battalion Vanatori d It's a mountain from Annecy arrived in the 57th Air Base Mihail Kogălniceanu during the day of the day Monday, February 28th

In total, 500 French soldiers and 300 Belgian soldiers, part of the land components of the NATO Response Force, will join the Romanian military within the measures taken to consolidate the eastern flank of the Alliance.

Armefrancaise
. #WeAreNATO #NATOStrong #NRFActivation #MApN

 

[muck]

Citing a source within the German defence ministry, 'The Pioneer' reports that the federal government is preparing a deal for Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets – and, apparently, wants to buy many more than the 40 aircraft in which it had originally expressed interest. According to the report, Berlin has put aside more than €15 billion ($17.75 billion) for the F-35, suggesting they intend to replace all of the ageing Tornado fighter bombers by the new model rather than by a mix of aircraft. For comparison, Finland recently ordered 64 F-35's for €8.6 billion ($9.55 billion), putting the German order in a potential range of well over 100 aircraft. Additionally, Germany would spend some €2.5 billion on a new electronic warfare variant of the Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role fighter jet to replace the Tornado's corresponding variant. (Source, Paywall)

Applying the rule of three for comparison purposes, and basing my calculations on the Finnish offer, I get 111.6 F-35's as a result for €15 billion. Now, that's obviously a bit of cheating on my part since Berlin could easily have to pay a different amount per aircraft depending on the details of the contract, but it does give us something of an idea of what is, apparently, in store now that Chancellor Olaf Scholz has come to his senses.

Is anybody else's neck in pain? Could this be whiplash?

 

[muck]

Aviation magazine 'aero.de' now reports that Germany will purchase 35 F-35 and 15 Typhoon ECR – and since not even the abysmal idea of developing the latter variant for a fleet of merely 15 units will cost in excess of €15 billion, I can only presume this means the original Tornado replacement scheme from a few years back (30 F/A-18 E/F, 15 EA-18G and the rest EF Typhoon) won the day. (Source, German)

Am I the only one who thinks it'd be cheaper to buy 15 EA-18G (despite the logistics pipeline and all) than to develop a dedicated EW variant of the Typhoon, which was never meant to serve that role? Christ, when will politicians learn that small fleets are not cheaper in the long run?

 

[Redav]

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[BravoZulu]

Aviation magazine 'aero.de' now reports that Germany will purchase 35 F-35 and 15 Typhoon ECR – and since not even the abysmal idea of developing the latter variant for a fleet of merely 15 units will cost in excess of €15 billion, I can only presume this means the original Tornado replacement scheme from a few years back (30 F/A-18 E/F, 15 EA-18G and the rest EF Typhoon) won the day. (Source, German)

Am I the only one who thinks it'd be cheaper to buy 15 EA-18G (despite the logistics pipeline and all) than to develop a dedicated EW variant of the Typhoon, which was never meant to serve that role? Christ, when will politicians learn that small fleets are not cheaper in the long run?

Should have gone the same route as Aus, F-35, Super Bug as maritime strike and EA-18G for the EW role, Wedgetail in the CI4 role, works a treat ?