Politics · Germany · 4 hrs ago
New Bundeswehr helicopters face delays and weapons problems
Germany ordered Airbus H145M helicopters for the Bundeswehr in 2023, with the project costing about €2.5 billion.
The H145 is a civilian helicopter adapted for military use, a choice intended to avoid developing a new aircraft from scratch.
The helicopters are expected to arrive late and may initially be able to fly but not fight.
The Bundeswehr has not completed tests of the 20-millimetre ammunition because a safety concern with its primer remains unresolved.
Tests of anti-tank missiles have also faced problems, and the missiles are due for delivery from late 2027.
The Bundesrechnungshof has urged a review and a pause in further orders, while the Defence Ministry says it will examine the criticism.
These problems could threaten Germany’s promise to provide NATO with 12 combat-ready helicopters by 2029 and 72 by 2032.
Germany’s Federal Court of Auditors has warned that new Bundeswehr H145M combat helicopters may arrive late and may not be able to fight for an extended period.
Airbus is due to deliver military versions of the helicopters under a €2.5 billion project.
The helicopters can fly, but ammunition for their guns has not been tested and available 20-millimetre rounds have been deemed unsafe.
The auditors say the project is on a critical path and recommend reviewing it and pausing further orders.
The German government has promised NATO 12 operational combat helicopters by 2029 and 72 by 2032.
- Who
- Germany’s Bundeswehr is due to receive the helicopters from Airbus.
- What
- The H145M helicopters may be delivered late and may initially be unable to fight.
- When
- Deliveries are planned by 2028; the Bundeswehr’s NATO targets are 12 helicopters by 2029 and 72 by 2032.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- The conversion from a civilian helicopter to a military model has faced delays and weapons problems, including concerns about ammunition safety.
Federal Court of Auditors
German Defence Ministry
Project risks
Federal Court of Auditors
The project is on a critical path and should be reviewed, with further orders paused.
German Defence Ministry
The ministry rejects the auditors’ concerns that delays and problems could prevent Germany from meeting its NATO commitment.
Procurement
Federal Court of Auditors
Further Airbus orders should be put on hold.
German Defence Ministry
The ministry plans to examine the points raised by the auditors.
Testing of the planned ammunition had not yet taken place, according to the report.
The Bundestag’s budget committee authorised the helicopter procurement.
Initial firing trials for the anti-tank missiles were aborted because of technical problems with their control system.
Airbus is due to deliver military versions of the H145.
Germany has promised NATO 12 operational combat helicopters.
Germany has promised NATO 72 operational combat helicopters.
- Project cost
- €2.5 billion
- Helicopter model
- Airbus H145M
- Gun ammunition
- 20-millimetre rounds
- NATO target by 2029
- 12 operational combat helicopters
- NATO target from 2032
- 72 operational combat helicopters
2 sources
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