In an era of increasing demands for military burdensharing, the issue of Germany’s aging combat aircraft fleet—the Tornados—is gaining importance. With functions ranging from conventional air-to-ground attacks, to air reconnaissance, to the ability to carry nuclear weapons and provide deterrence, the German fleet is a critical component of European security and NATO effectiveness. Some experts are concerned about Russia’s ability to achieve regional superiority in its western neighborhood (i.e., the Baltics), and emphasize that for NATO deterrence to be credible and effective, it must have the means to conduct its missions, including nuclear. It is a bigger question both strategically and politically than just aircraft.
On this episode of The Zeitgeist, Jeff Rathke is joined by two of Germany’s leading defense experts: Dr. Christian Mölling and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Heiner Brauss. They discuss the issue of Germany’s aging fighter aircraft, and the options for replacement. They also discuss the roles that these aircraft play, including in a NATO context, and why finding the right replacement is important in an era of a resurgent Russia. Finally, they look at the political dynamics at play within Germany and the European Union, and in the transatlantic relationship.

Host
Jeff Rathke, President, AICGS
Guests
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Heiner Brauss, Senior Associate Fellow, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)
Dr. Christian Mölling, Research Director, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)