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Home | Update | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Profile | Datafiles | FR 7/97 LACK OF MONEY HITS LUFTWAFFE by Karl Schwarz Like never before, the German forces are currently supported by a broad positive public opinion. Unfortunately, "this does not reflect in the defence budget", Lieutenant General Bernhard Mende, Chief of Staff of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force), stated during a briefing with the German Air Force Association in May. The Luftwaffe head is worried about the Air Force's dramatic lack of money. Still, this is not supposed to get the Luftwaffe off track when it comes to the long-term planning. Mende is convinced "that the continuity in our plans will pay off". Nevertheless, facing decreasing budgets, while maintaining the personnel strength, structure, and training intensity, there is no choice but to cut the investments, mainly in the infrastructure "which is probably the easiest to catch up with later". However, the forces should not miss the opportunity to keep progressing technologywise, says Mende. According to the Chief of Staff, the focus for improving the operational capabilities of the Luftwaffe is on the following areas: Command and control: A higher mobility and more modern systems, allowing the optimization of the information exchange on an international scale. Airborne air defence: In spite of the worries about the financing, General Mende is optimistic that the Eurofighter will be procured: "The necessity for a new fighter is undisputed. Air superiority is a question of sovereignty. The decision for the EF2000 certainly requires some political courage in the current situation. But without courage one can never achieve anything! At any rate, the price for the aircraft is not an issue any more." Expanded air defence: The defence against ballistic missiles and cruise missiles has priority. Only these systems will be able to become a threat for Germany in the foreseeable future. As an answer, the Patriot systems are to be updated and, beginning in 2005/2006, Meads will be procured. Stand-off and precision guided weapons: The Luftwaffe has a lot of catching up to do in this area. At least, a laser target designator is being procured and, according to Mende, a solution for the modular stand-off weapon is in reach. Air transport: The procurement of the NH90 from 2003 is a first step. The first squadron is earmarked for combat search and rescue missions, a capability which the Luftwaffe does not have at this point. The conversion of A310s to tankers is important also. Concerning the FLA freighter, which is slotted to replace the Transalls, the Chief of Staff "currently does not see possibilities to agree on the financing". General Mende is aware that the mentioned large-scale programs along with other important projects can not be realized from one day to another. He admits a certain predatory competition towards Army and Navy, saying that the air force with its multitude of options for action has gained significance for the politics in the new security political environment. Mende believes that the cost cutting for all three forces must come to a stop now "to avoid permanent damage to the German forces in the medium and long-term". From page 54 of FLUG REVUE 7/97 Home | Update | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Profile | Datafiles | FR 7/97 Copyright 1997 by Motor-Presse Stuttgart. All rights reserved. Last updated June 4, 1997