After losing several competitions with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter, Boeing tries to convince Germany to replace part of its fleet of Tornado jets with its aircraft.
To make its proposal more attractive to the Luftwaffe, the US manufacturer this week launched a Request for Information (RFI) to more than 10 German companies in order to expand its industrial partnership strategy.
While not revealing names, Boeing says these partners “will play a significant role in providing support equipment, logistics and overall maintenance, parts, local sustainment programs, training, and other relevant repair and overhaul solutions for Germany’s potential Super Hornet and Growler fleet.”
Boeing intends to offer Germany an aircraft package that includes the F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III and the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare variant.
“The combination of Super Hornet Block III and EA-18G Growler will give the Luftwaffe unmatched capability in both air-to-air and surface-to-air missions,” the Boeing statement said without providing details on an alleged proposal.
The Luftwaffe has around 110 Tornado fighter jets on attack and reconnaissance missions that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
Last year, the government of Germany decided to order the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol jet (based on the 737) on which Boeing also established local partnerships for the project.
