Mil News Western Europe Military News

[muck]

It’s a blow to the plan of developing a joint Franco-German fighter jet to be ready in the 2040s.

That it isn't. Not anymore, at least, considering the drastic increase in German defence spending. The consensus here in local media appears to be the federal government has ditched plans to buy only F-35's and ordered the Typhoon ECR (which will be co-developed by Hensoldt, the project lead for FCAS's EW capabilities) precisely to ensure the French side does not see FCAS as jeopardised. It's a high-end stop-gap solution.

German defence analysts suggest the Luftwaffe also wants to use the F-35 to familiarise itself (and the French Armée de l’Air by extension) with 5th generation aircraft and develop ideas for what a 6th generation project like FCAS should do better. Besides, Chancellor Scholz named FCAS as a top-billed bullet point on this €100 billion spending offensive agenda. Under these new circumstances, FCAS should be able to profit from this deal.

 

[Fluff]

That it isn't. Not anymore, at least, considering the drastic increase in German defence spending. The consensus here in local media appears to be the federal government has ditched plans to buy only F-35's and ordered the Typhoon ECR (which will be co-developed by Hensoldt, the project lead for FCAS's EW capabilities) precisely to ensure the French side does not see FCAS as jeopardised. It's a high-end stop-gap solution.

German defence analysts suggest the Luftwaffe also wants to use the F-35 to familiarise itself (and the French Armée de l’Air by extension) with 5th generation aircraft and develop ideas for what a 6th generation project like FCAS should do better. Besides, Chancellor Scholz named FCAS as a top-billed bullet point on this €100 billion spending offensive agenda. Under these new circumstances, FCAS should be able to profit from this deal.

The f35 replace aged tornadoes. FCAS should replace the typhoons now in service. Let’s face it, FCAS will enter service in what 2040? Good to get more f35 into Europe.

 

[muck]

In other defence news:

Today, the German government has ordered a second tranche of 229 Puma infantry fighting vehicles. Vith the existing fleet of 350 vehicles and 71 heavily upgraded units of Puma's predecessor, Marder 1 A5, this will raise the armoured infantry to 650 up-to-date IFVs. (Source, Paywall)

The Austrian government has announced that in response to the War in Ukraine it will modernise Austria's underfunded army. The new Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, has said that the 2022 defence budget will be increased by 50% (from €2.7 billion to more than €4 billion). He also promised that his government would from now spend 1% of Austria's GDP on defence, a quota last reached by the country in 1989. (Source, Paywall)

 

[Fish&Chips]

The Austrian government has announced that in response to the War in Ukraine it will modernise Austria's underfunded army. The new Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, has said that the 2022 defence budget will be increased by 50% (from €2.7 billion to more than €4 billion). He also promised that his government would from now spend 1% of Austria's GDP on defence, a quota last reached by the country in 1989. (Source, Paywall)

This increase will be more than welcome. "Der Standard" quoted Austrian chief of staff Robert Brieger who said that in the Austrian army there was "not any sector that is not in need of modernisation." His wishlist includes UAVs and anti-UAV-weapons, medium-range AA gear, an upgrade or replacement for the ageing tank fleet, as well as active and passive airspace surveillance and modern ammunition.

In the same article Der Standard mentions also that Germany plans to adapt its constitution in order to stabilize the EUR 100 Bln special military fund which was announced by chancellor Scholz in response to the Ukraine war.
Source

According to Onvista, the constitutional reference is sought to ensure that the special budget will remain reserved for military spending and cannot be used for other purposes. It would also make the fund independent of party-internal politics.

 

[muck]

The German minister of finance, Lindner, presented the federal draft budget for the 2022 fiscal year in public news last night. The budget includes military spending to the amount of €150.3 billion, €100 billion of which in a so called public estate. The minister specified that for the time being he does not intend to significantly increase the (constitutionally separate) defence budget; instead, this new rearmament fund is to be exhausted until the end of the legislative period. That is to say, Germany will de facto spend about €75 billion (ca. 2.1% of GDP) annually on defence till 2026.

This is a plus of some 50% compared to today. A special legal clause is to ensure that these extra funds will only be spent on arms and munitions. The clause is opposed by the left-wing of the government coalition, nevertheless the budget is expected to be carried in parliament by a great majority, as it is also supported by many members of the opposition. Lindner explained that this budgetary separation was needed to prevent a trickling-down effect through the defence budget proper with its notoriously high expenditures for personnel costs and administration, but that rearmament could not wait until a planned military reform would take effect and increase the share of the budget proper reserved for research and acquisition.

 

[Fish&Chips]

NATO kicks off massive military drill in Norway – DW – 03/17/2022

While the war in Ukraine rages on, NATO is conducting large military drills in Norway testing its troops' combat skills in cold terrain and Norway's management of troop reinforcements.

www.dw.com

 

[Fish&Chips]

F-35: Why Germany is opting for the US stealth bomber – DW – 03/16/2022

Germany wants to upgrade its military with the world's most modern fighter jet. The order is worth billions. But is it a good fit?

www.dw.com

 

[muck]

More defence news:

Citing insider sources, Italian daily 'Il Foglio' reports that Germany and Italy are about to create a strategic defence industry partnership. The impetus is said to have come from German interest in Italian-built F-35's. 'Il Foglio' claims that by strengthening ties with Leonardo specifically, Berlin hopes to put pressure on Dassault, the recalcitrant French lead of the Franco-German FCAS 6th generation fighter jet programme.

The author claims that Berlin expressed interest in joining the rival Anglo-Italian Tempest programme should Dassault continue to refuse to sell Germany intellectual property rights to the finished jet. The article adds that Leonardo's AW249 attack helicopter is also considered by Berlin as a potential replacement for the ill-fated Airbus Tiger, which it recently decided (unlike Paris) not to upgrade anymore. (Source, Paywall)

According to aviation magazine 'aero.de', Airbus expects an imminent German order over up to 60 Eurofighter Typhoon. (Source)

In an article that's surprisingly scornful of the aircraft, German daily 'Die Welt' reports that Germany will purchase up to 60 Boeing CH-47F's through a foreign military sale from the US. The decision is portrayed as being motivated by protectionist considerations; allegedly, Berlin hopes that if given a hefty contract, Boeing will desist from repeating its unfair lobbying against Airbus in the new USAF tanker tender. (Source, Paywall)

 

[Rohme]

4 US Marines die in NATO drill after Osprey crashes in Norway

Authorities say that four U.S. Marines have been killed when their Osprey aircraft crashed in a Norwegian town in the Arctic Circle during a NATO exercise unrelated to the Ukraine war.

www.thedenverchannel.com

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[Fish&Chips]

4 US Marines die in NATO drill after Osprey crashes in Norway

Authorities say that four U.S. Marines have been killed when their Osprey aircraft crashed in a Norwegian town in the Arctic Circle during a NATO exercise unrelated to the Ukraine war.

www.thedenverchannel.com

View attachment 378153

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Rest in peace.

 

[BravoZulu]

Ireland:
Simon Coveney, Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs has announced the purchase of two Inshore Patrol Vessels from the New Zealand Government.

The investment of €26 million in these two Inshore Patrol Vessels will provide replacements for LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara. These Inshore Patrol Vessels have a lesser crewing requirement than the ships they replace, and will provide the Naval Service with an enhanced capacity to operate and undertake patrols in the Irish Sea on the East and South East Coast. This will allow the remaining fleet to focus on operations elsewhere.
It is the intention that the two ships will be transported to Ireland in 2023 after a programme of works to restore them to Lloyd’s Classification has been carried out in New Zealand.

• the two Lake – Class Inshore Patrol Vessels are the former HMNZS ROTOITI and PUKAKI
• the four ships were built in Whangarei by BAE Systems Australia (formerly Tenix Shipbuilding). They were delivered to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence and commissioned into their Royal Navy in 2009
• both ships have been in Lloyd’s Lay Up class appraisal survey since October 2019, having been withdrawn from service and will undergo some restoration works to bring them up to Lloyd’s Classification
• they have fully automated control and navigations system, a powerful engine, modern communications and surveillance systems, active stabilisers and comfortable accommodation. Using two RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) both ships can undertake boarding operations and surveillance
• the ships are highly manoeuvrable and capable of speeds up to 25 knots (46 kilometres per hour)
• the core ship's company complement is 20. This is less than that of LE Orla and LE Ciara which have a complement of 44 crew per ship
• the area of operations will be the Irish Sea on the East and South East Coast
• 

 

[Fluff]

Ireland:
Simon Coveney, Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs has announced the purchase of two Inshore Patrol Vessels from the New Zealand Government.

The investment of €26 million in these two Inshore Patrol Vessels will provide replacements for LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara. These Inshore Patrol Vessels have a lesser crewing requirement than the ships they replace, and will provide the Naval Service with an enhanced capacity to operate and undertake patrols in the Irish Sea on the East and South East Coast. This will allow the remaining fleet to focus on operations elsewhere.
It is the intention that the two ships will be transported to Ireland in 2023 after a programme of works to restore them to Lloyd’s Classification has been carried out in New Zealand.

• the two Lake – Class Inshore Patrol Vessels are the former HMNZS ROTOITI and PUKAKI
• the four ships were built in Whangarei by BAE Systems Australia (formerly Tenix Shipbuilding). They were delivered to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence and commissioned into their Royal Navy in 2009
• both ships have been in Lloyd’s Lay Up class appraisal survey since October 2019, having been withdrawn from service and will undergo some restoration works to bring them up to Lloyd’s Classification
• they have fully automated control and navigations system, a powerful engine, modern communications and surveillance systems, active stabilisers and comfortable accommodation. Using two RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) both ships can undertake boarding operations and surveillance
• the ships are highly manoeuvrable and capable of speeds up to 25 knots (46 kilometres per hour)
• the core ship's company complement is 20. This is less than that of LE Orla and LE Ciara which have a complement of 44 crew per ship
• the area of operations will be the Irish Sea on the East and South East Coast
• View attachment 378508

What’s the boat in the background? Who’s is that?

 

[Fish&Chips]

It appears to be official now: MSN reports that according to "government sources" Germany plans to buy up to 35 x F-35.

MSN

www.msn.com

 

[muck]

The German minister of finance, Lindner, presented the federal draft budget for the 2022 fiscal year in public news last night. The budget includes military spending to the amount of €150.3 billion, €100 billion of which in a so called public estate. The minister specified that for the time being he does not intend to significantly increase the (constitutionally separate) defence budget; instead, this new rearmament fund is to be exhausted until the end of the legislative period. That is to say, Germany will de facto spend about €75 billion (ca. 2.1% of GDP) annually on defence till 2026.

This is a plus of some 50% compared to today. A special legal clause is to ensure that these extra funds will only be spent on arms and munitions. The clause is opposed by the left-wing of the government coalition, nevertheless the budget is expected to be carried in parliament by a great majority, as it is also supported by many members of the opposition. Lindner explained that this budgetary separation was needed to prevent a trickling-down effect through the defence budget proper with its notoriously high expenditures for personnel costs and administration, but that rearmament could not wait until a planned military reform would take effect and increase the share of the budget proper reserved for research and acquisition.

Things are getting spicy in the Federal Diet, Germany's parliament.

The federal government faced opposition from its very own majority leader today, a hypocritical pacifist extraordinaire named Rolf Muetzenich (who recently went so far as to say that the Ukraine invasion had "proven" (!) that arms offered no deterrent).

But the leader of the minority has said they will help the Chancellor reach the supermajority necessary to create this public estate if he puts forward a bill that also includes a constitutional obligation to always spend 2% of the GDP on defence.

Olaf Scholz staked his Chancellorship on the issue, after his public statement he cannot possibly allow his party to defy him. He either has to bring his party to line, cooperate with the opposition (which would be even better for the armed forces) or resign.

 

[BravoZulu]

Spain:
The US State Department approved the sale of up to eight MH-60R multi-mission helicopters to Spain in a deal potentially worth $950 million.

The deal would also include a range of weapons and systems — Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II guidance sections, communications equipment, Airborne Low Frequency Sonars, sonobuoys and more — to enable surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and electronic warfare by these ship-based helicopters.

 

[BravoZulu]

Germany:
According to BILD am SONNTAG information, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (63, SPD) and his government are considering setting up a missile protection shield over the entire federal territory. As in Israel, an Iron Dome would then be stretched across the country.

When General Inspector Eberhard Zorn (62) met with Scholz this week to advise how the Bundeswehr should be modernized with the 100 billion euro package, according to BILD am SONNTAG information it was also about a missile protection shield. Specifically: the Arrow 3 system from Israel.

Cost: 2 billion euros. The system would be operational as early as 2025. Advantage: The radar devices are so powerful that the protective shield could also cover Poland, Romania or the Baltic States. Our neighboring countries would only have to buy Arrow 3 missiles, Germany provided the radar image.

https://www.bild.de/politik/2022/po...ehrsystem-fuer-deutschland-79575078.bild.html

 

[Deleted member 11302]

Things are getting spicy in the Federal Diet, Germany's parliament.

The federal government faced opposition from its very own majority leader today, a hypocritical pacifist extraordinaire named Rolf Muetzenich (who recently went so far as to say that the Ukraine invasion had "proven" (!) that arms offered no deterrent).

Mützenich is one of the most despicable tw@ts in German politics, and that is saying something. As if the Russians didn't attack Ukraine believing themselves to have a massive advantage in strength of arms!

I also remember him belittling the plight of Iranian dissidents at home and abroad.

Him, Laschet and Polenz should form their own political party, the DPD: Diktatorenfreundliche Partei Deutschlands.

 

[BCNTM]

Fuel 'worth more than £250,000' stolen from high-security Royal Navy base

The diesel was siphoned from a tanker in a heist that reportedly "ran for weeks," with most of it having been "flogged on the black market".

news.sky.com

that's a lot of jerry cans............

 

[muck]

Britain will buy 100 additional Boxer armoured personnel carriers to ensure more vehicles reach front-line units faster, bringing orders up to 623 vehicles. The first 117 Boxers will arrive from Germany from 2023 onwards, with local production scheduled to pick up pace in the meantime. (Source)

By the way, am I wrong to read something of a diplomatic overture into this official press release? I mean, it's full of praise for Germany whilst studiously avoiding the fact the Boxer in its current form is a product of Germany and the Netherlands.​

Though that distinction is about to become a bit more blurred, or so it would seem. Addressing an audience of politicians, journalists and defence industry managers, the chief of the German Army, Lt. Gen. Alfons Mais, has elaborated in a speech that both countries work to integrate the entirety of the Royal Netherlands Army into the German Army, with each German division absorbing a Dutch brigade. This new bi-national land force will be under operational command by 1st Dutch-German Corps, commanded alternatingly by a Dutchman or a German. (Source)

At the same occasion, Mais also announced that the German Army would rebuild a short-range air defence capacity integrated as an organic asset into 9 artillery battalions. It's my understanding the responsibility for ground-based air defence will be shared between the Army and the Air Force, the latter being responsible for medium to high altitudes. The Air Force will receive a mix of IRIS-T SLS and SLM in addition to Patriot and Stinger, with Arrow 3 being sought as well; the Army, on the other hand, wants a replacement for the Roland and Gepard systems. (Source)

Last but not least, Germany's military has been given the go-ahead for an accelerated personal equipment modernisation scheme to address complaints by the rank and file about unwieldy body armour vests and outdated personal gear. Orders have been placed to equip up to 305,000 troops with new body armour, helmets and items like over-ear headsets or backpacks. This is also noteworthy insofar as parliament, citing the threat of Russian aggression, allowed the military to sidestep the Diet's budget authority, virtually writing out a blank cheque. (Source)

 

[BCNTM]

British Army loses diplomatic immunity fight over Kenya bushfire

A huge wildfire at Lolldaiga Hills Ranch, a 49,000-acre sanctuary which houses the Nanyuki army base used by Britain for military drills, broke out last year and caused widespread devastation.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Not us honest - I am sure I saw a Ruski mercenary with a fag lighter and some wodka