Germany investigates Typhoon unintended fuel tank separation

An investigation is under way in Germany over an incident when a Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon's two external fuel tanks separated from the aircraft during a routine training flight over Bavaria. A later search located the two drop tanks west of Augsburg.

Germany offers Croatia Phantoms

Croatian state TV has reported that Germany has offered Croatia 20 ageing F-4F Phantom fighter planes to replace its even older MIG-21 jets. Croatia has a small number of late-model MiG-21bis interceptors in its fleet that are rapidly approaching the end of their service lives

Germany may further reduce A400M fleet by selling aircraft

Despite further commitment to stay with the troubled airlifter program, but the Luftwaffe might end up with just 40 Airbus A400M transports according to officials from its coalition government. Originally committed to 60 aircraft, Germany cut its order to 53 last year and is now proposing to sell 13 of the remaining aircraft overseas.

Typhoon marks 100,000 hours with special markings for users

In less than eight years, operational Eurofighter Typhoons in service with various air forces have achieved the milestone of 100,000 flying hours. Typhoons from the RAF, Luftwaffe, Italian, Spanish and Austrian Air Forces gained inscriptions marking the milestone. Here are some photos of the specially marked aircraft (All photos from Eurofighter):

RAF | Luftwaffe | Italy | Spain | Austria |

Luftwaffe takes over Baltic air policing mission

Marking its fourth time deploying fighters to patrol the skies over the Baltic republics, the Luftwaffe has deployed six Wittmund-based F-4F Phantoms to Lithuania's Siauliai Airbase for Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duty lasting four months. The F-4Fs will take over from four US Air Force F-15Cs originally based at Lakenheath, England.

Boeing expects German CSAR selection to slip into 2011

Boeing expects that the selection process for Germany's combat search and rescue helicopter requirement may slip into the first quarter of next year. Germany's tender called for awarding a contract for eight aircraft, plus 11 options and Boeing is offering the CH-47E Chinook in the tender.

PHOTO: German Tornadoes at Mountain Home

(Click on thumbnail for high res image)
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Two PA-200 Tornadoes take off during Mountain Roundup here Oct. 21. Mountain Roundup, a large-force exercise, is scheduled to run from Oct. 12 through Oct. 29 and includes participants from the German air force and U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Renishia Richardson)

Germany cuts A400M commitment

Despite a commitment of 180 units that was negotiated as part of a general settlement reached in March, the European A400M partners continue to reduce their orders. Germany has now cut its commitment from 60 to 53 aircraft, hot on the heels of the UK reducing its order by three.

Germany to withdraw Tornadoes from Afghanistan

Germany's Defense Minister has announced that the Luftwaffe's Tornado ECR detachment in Afghanistan is being withdrawn. The six aircraft have been in action in Afghanistan, mainly in the reconnaissance role.

European transport command opens for business

A new organisation tasked with co-ordinating the military transport and air-to-air refuelling activities of four European air forces has begun operating at Eindhoven air base in the Netherlands. The European Air Transport Command (EATC) is a collaboration between Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Luftwaffe to restrict maintenance to "mission relevant"

The German Luftwaffe has announced that repairs and maintenance to its aircraft will be restricted to those which are absolutely needed and "mission relevant" due to cost cutting pressures.