Panavia Tornado ECR German Air Force
Panavia Tornado ECR German Air Force while at Rostock Laage Airport in German. Airbus Defence & Space is eyeing a potential opportunity for European industry to develop a fighter jet to replace last generation Panavia Tornado fleet of the German air force post-2030.
"A few months ago, the Ministry of Defense of Germany prepared a strategic defense capability plan, and are looking for something to replace capabilities to fill the void that will come with the replacement of the tornado," said Alberto Gutierrez, head of Eurofighter and the Group Combat aircraft Airbus programs. "He has asked us to investigate what could be the solution."
Airbus believes that the operating environment in 2030-2040 may require the use of a combination of manned fighters and aircraft. Described by the company as "mules", it can perform functions such as reconnaissance, target acquisition, electronic warfare and even air strikes.
"We are currently working with the German air force in the needs of customers," says Gutierrez. "We are thinking of something that will enter service in 2030."
Airbus Defence and Space initial concept involves the use of a two-seat fighter with a crew member who is responsible for command and control and manned-unmanned teaming tasks.
Speaking at the company's site Ottobrunn, near Munich on June 20, Gutierrez said: "What we can not afford to do is a plane from scratch completely're talking about the reuse of certain Eurofighter components and looking at what we are doing in our development cycles for more than prototypes. we are looking for a diverse portfolio of new technologies ".
Gutiérrez considered a joint development activity - as used in the four nations Eurofighter program - it will "bring the solidarity of our countries, and also ensure that our defense industrial base and stimulate growth."
"A few months ago, the Ministry of Defense of Germany prepared a strategic defense capability plan, and are looking for something to replace capabilities to fill the void that will come with the replacement of the tornado," said Alberto Gutierrez, head of Eurofighter and the Group Combat aircraft Airbus programs. "He has asked us to investigate what could be the solution."
Airbus believes that the operating environment in 2030-2040 may require the use of a combination of manned fighters and aircraft. Described by the company as "mules", it can perform functions such as reconnaissance, target acquisition, electronic warfare and even air strikes.
"We are currently working with the German air force in the needs of customers," says Gutierrez. "We are thinking of something that will enter service in 2030."
Airbus Defence and Space initial concept involves the use of a two-seat fighter with a crew member who is responsible for command and control and manned-unmanned teaming tasks.
Speaking at the company's site Ottobrunn, near Munich on June 20, Gutierrez said: "What we can not afford to do is a plane from scratch completely're talking about the reuse of certain Eurofighter components and looking at what we are doing in our development cycles for more than prototypes. we are looking for a diverse portfolio of new technologies ".
Gutiérrez considered a joint development activity - as used in the four nations Eurofighter program - it will "bring the solidarity of our countries, and also ensure that our defense industrial base and stimulate growth."