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
-
The Ongoing Crisis in Belarus, with David Kramer and Brian Whitmore
Podcast
What does the evolving political situation in Belarus mean for U.S. and European interests? Brian Whitmore and David Kramer join Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend to disc...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Jim Townsend, David J. Kramer & Brian Whitmore
-
Brussels Should Follow Biden’s Lead in Engaging Russia
Commentary
EU leaders should emulate Washington’s Russia strategy of balancing engagement with upholding core values....
By Nicholas Lokker
-
A Limited Partnership
Reports
Executive Summary The last several years have seen a worrisome increase in tensions in the Mediterranean involving age-old rivals such as Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, as well a...
By Jim Townsend, Andrea Kendall-Taylor, David Shullman & Gibbs McKinley
-
The Implications of the Afghanistan Withdrawal for Transatlantic Relations, with Ulrike Franke and Giovanna De Maio
Podcast
What is the significance of the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal for the future of transatlantic relations? Ulrike Franke and Giovanna De Maio join Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Jim Townsend, Ulrike Franke & Giovanna De Maio
