Originally Posted by
Less Hair
All this was launched exactly when the new german government was busy with elections and setting up its coalition-structures. Now the Germans feels like moving out of Mali and buying Lightnings regardless of FCAS.
I don't know if this is really a direct 'retaliation' but indeed the new Government apparently feels a bit less 'obliged' to the French Government than their predecessor.
Looking at it rationally besides the fact of getting a much more future proof and potent Nuclear Strike Platform this would also mean more EF Typhoons which in turn supports German Industry Jobs. A further benefit is that it forces Germany to develop ECR- EF which helps building up competencies for FCAS. So far there is a perceived imbalance regarding FCAS when it comes to work share vs. cost/risk- share between France and Germany. Only real downside is that they will have to go to NATO and apologize for not providing promised EW capabilities in time.