Originally Posted by
Cyclic Hotline
The list is long, too long of German renunciations on programs in cooperation with France launched in July 2017: armament of the Tiger (MAST-F missile now Akeron-LP), program of maritime patrol aircraft MAWS (Berlin ordered P-8A Poseidons from Boeing) and, finally, most certainly the Tiger Mark 3.
Looking from the French Industrial perspective I do understand the frustration.
BUT
When looking at the projects in question you need really rose tinted glasses not to see glaring issues wth them.
MAWS will be simply way to late when looking at the latent threat of an aggressive Russia we experience as we write. OK, France is quite some miles away from Russia and thus doesn't care too much about this. Germany although/therefore somewhat reluctant in the current conflict is in striking distance by Russian Intermediate Range missiles (Kaliningrad - Berlin is 300 miles which would be the equivalent of Dublin - London, Frankfurt - Paris and not much more than Nantucket - New York -just imagine what this would mean for US politics). And thus is much more concerned by what's currently happening 500 miles East.
Then Tiger MkIII. Well the Tiger... I mean you just need to read some threads on this very forum to come to the conclusion that throwing more money into that black hole might be just the second best idea. Out of two ideas. This thing is flying (or better decorating workshops and hangars) since 18 years and still has a readiness rate <<20%. And even with lots of money thrown after it this is not predicted to change much for the next 5 years due signifcantly to ongoing upgrades at a speed where you risk being run over by a snail. How on Earth can soemeone really consider sending it to the next round of upgrades?!