01-08-2012, 08:45 PM
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Dragon
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Punjab
Posts: 6,281
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Germany Might Sell Used Eurofighters to E. Europe
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php...00&c=AIR&s=TOP
Quote:
BONN - In the wake of its military restructuring, Germany could sell some of its used Eurofighter jets to Eastern European countries. The Financial Times Deutschland newspaper reported on Jan. 4 that Bulgaria is interested in acquiring eight aircraft.
According to the newspaper, the topic could be raised during the visit of Bulgarian Prime Minister Bojko Borissow Ende to Berlin at the end of January.
Other Eastern European countries, such as the Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovakia and Romania, are also looking at similar options, said the newspaper.
Earlier reports have linked Saab, with its Gripen fighter, and the U.S., with the Lockheed Martin F-16, as having made similar overtures to Eastern European nations.
As part of Berlin's overall military reduction, the future planned number of Eurofighter jets in the German Air Force has been reduced from 177 to 140. This could be achieved without selling any Typhoons as Germany still has not signed an order for 37 aircraft as part of the Eurofighter Tranche 3B deal, the final batch of aircraft earmarked for the four-nation program that also includes Italy, Spain and the U.K.
None of the nations were expected to fulfill their commitment to buy 3B aircraft even before Europe's worsening economic crisis took hold. However, there had been occasional speculation that Germany could sell some of its Tranche 1 aircraft and order the latest version of the jet instead.
A German Ministry of Defense spokesman said he did not want to comment on any such possible deals. The spokesman said the Bundeswehr is still planning for a total of 140 aircraft and there is no obligation to purchase Tranche 3B aircraft.
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