Berlin has been consistently frustrated by the Tiger's limited operational availability due to technical issues. (Photo: Bundeswehr)
In an announcement made on Saturday, Germany’s defence ministry revealed its plans to gradually phase out its Tiger combat helicopters by 2038. The fleet will be replaced over time with H145M light military helicopters, manufactured by Airbus, just like the Tiger.
The decision was not unexpected, as Germany had withdrawn from a multinational helicopter modernisation programme years ago.
In contrast, France and Spain agreed to participate in 2022. Berlin has been consistently frustrated by the Tiger’s limited operational availability due to technical issues.
A spokesperson from the German MoD confirmed the phased retirement of the Tiger fleet by 2038, unless additional measures are taken. This statement aligns with a report by Sueddeutsche Zeitung.
The ministry thoroughly explored various scenarios and concluded that participating in the Mk III programme to modernise the helicopters would entail excessive risk in terms of cost and timely execution. Consequently, Germany opted not to participate.
Instead, the ministry intends to procure H145M light military helicopters from Airbus to ensure future compliance with its NATO obligations.
The spokesperson did not disclose specific details regarding the number of helicopters to be acquired or the associated costs.
The spokesperson further stated that the ministry plans to present the proposed agreement to the budget committee of Parliament for approval before the end of this year.
After months of delays, Rheinmetall has inked a €300 million deal with Germany for its FV-014 drone this week as part of a wider framework contract worth €2.4 billion for loitering munition procurement. Shephard looks at how the as-yet-unawarded funds could be spent.
The USAF’s Next-Generation Aerial Refuelling Programme is coming under scrutiny in the wake of the Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request, signalling a change in how the force could prioritise the modernisation of its tanker fleet.
While the move to integrate lower-cost missiles onto more combat aircraft is long overdue, there is also an opportunity for cheaper turboprop platforms to perform CUAS roles.
Anduril’s YFQ-44A has successfully undergone USAF experimental testing for Increment 1, while an engine has officially been selected for Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A – a potential candidate for Increment 2 of the air force’s CCA programme.
The Australian government’s 2026 National Defence Strategy has unveiled a major spending uplift planned for the Royal Australian Air Force, focused on upgrading its air combat and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as upping investment in uncrewed aerial systems.
The record-breaking defence budget request focuses on bolstering some core next-generation aircraft programmes across each domain, although questions remain on the US's commitment to some key defence programmes.
Connect with us on socials
