Early Acces: Germany - NEW Eurofighters but NO Super Hornets

Definitely, and in Germany this dynamic has only become increasingly important

Military Aviation History

Hey Sean, there is definitely more of a public discussion in Germany now whether arms should be bought from the US, rather than from somewhere else. But much of this has to do with public opinion about the US/ the politics of the US, rather than a campaign about 'buying German'. The relevant regions and companies of course will of course be putting out pressure, but that happens largely outside the public sphere in my opinion.

Military Aviation History

Thanks for another insightful, informative video, Chris. I really enjoyed the brief remarks on the procurement process in Germany, including your asides regarding the politics. I'd be very interested to get your thoughts on the merits of the Eurofighter vs the F/A-18 (and the EA-18 for the EW role. I'd be fine if someone else has done that comparison already, if you want to point the way. One other point regarding Airbus and workers in Bavaria: Do you see groups like this putting pressure on the German government for more procurement that will benefit their own workforce (vs. potentially ordering a better option from foreign vendors) as an increasing trend? Again, thanks for the video, it's always a pleasure.

Sean Tyson

Chris, as a Yankee historian who is well aware of the US Military Industrial Complex, I'm well aware of the desire of the US military hierarchy's desire to promote domestic industry's products even when other, sometimes superior equipment is available (like the Canadian Avro Arrow!--and not meaning that the Eurofighter is inferior to the FA-18 Super Hornet, by the way), so I am not surprised. Politics and national priorities affect military procurement processes profoundly (sorry for the alliteration).