German Eurofighter (front) and Tornado (back) in formation. Credit: Dr Andreas Zeitler / Airbus.

The German Ministry of Defence (MoD) has received a proposal from Airbus and Eurofighter for its Tornado combat aircraft successor programme.

The team has offered the Eurofighter Typhoon as a replacement for the German Air Force’s ageing Panavia Tornado combat aircraft, which was developed in the 1960s.

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The Tornado is expected to be retired from operational service with the Bundeswehr, the unified armed forces of Germany, from 2025 onwards.

According to Airbus, the increased use of Eurofighter would allow the German Armed Forces to save support services and training costs, as well as reduce per-hour flying costs. The Bundeswehr already operates 130 Typhoons.

Airbus Defence and Space Marketing and Sales head Bernhard Brenner said: “The Eurofighter is already the backbone of the German Air Force and is, therefore, the logical option to adopt the capabilities of the Tornado in the medium term.

“The successful continuation of Eurofighter production could also lead to further cooperation with other European nations such as Switzerland, Belgium and Finland.”

“We have an excellent aircraft, its production secures important aircraft construction know-how in Germany and, at the same time, strongly supports European sovereignty in defence.

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“The successful continuation of Eurofighter production could also lead to further cooperation with other European nations such as Switzerland, Belgium and Finland.”

The German Air Force uses its fleet of Eurofighters and Tornados to protect airspace sovereignty over the country and for international Nato alliance operated across the globe.

The Boeing F-15 Eagle and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet are the preferred alternatives for the successor programme.