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Fighter. Europeans love to buy American. Why ?

(B2) When we look at the equipment of Europeans, in fighter or combat planes, we notice a constant. European countries prefer to buy American than European. But looking closely, we also see that those who proclaim loud and clear that they are supporters of European defense are not always those we believe.

This paper was the subject of a column in the excellent program 'Blame it on Europe', from FranceTvInfo, hosted by my colleagues Yann Antony-Noguès, Kattalin Landaburu, Jean Quatremer and prepared by Hughes Beaudouin.

How many countries do not fly with American equipment?

This can be counted on the fingers of one hand and one finger. Only six countries do not fly American (in blue and green on the map): France, Germany, Sweden, Rep. Czech, Austria, Hungary. Among these countries, it is necessary to distinguish Sweden (Gripen) and France (Rafale) which only equip themselves nationally (in green on the map), and Germany which flies with European equipment (Eurofigther) certainly but manufactured on his ground. While Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic fly with equipment purchased from one of their neighbors. The first in Eurofighter, the other two in Swedish equipment.

Do some countries practice mixed equipment?

Yes. Mixing is a typical process in several countries (in yellow on the map). This is the case for all the countries of southern Europe — theEjercito del aire spanish, Aeronautica Italian, theHellenic air force —, who have so far taken great care to have at least two models in their air fleet: one EU-made, the other US-made. With one notable exception: Portugal. This is also the case... in the United Kingdom.

... the UK too?

Who would've believed that ! This country, which is very attached to the transatlantic link, takes great care to balance its purchases between made in the USA and made in Europe. A tradition of the Royal Air Force. The British — unlike the French — prefer to manufacture multinationally than to manufacture solo. This was the case with the Tornado (an aircraft manufactured with Germany and Italy) then the Eurofighter (renamed Typhoon across the Channel). Outside of fighter aircraft, this is also the case for the Airbus A400M. A pragmatism that has a very industrial basis. Part of these (European) planes are manufactured in British factories.

Are there geopolitical trends in exclusive equipment made in the USA?

Clearly. The countries that have a border with Russia are equipped exclusively with American equipment (in orange on the map), generally with F-16s (manufactured by General Dynamics, now taken over by Lockheed Martin). It is not only a question of the performance of the device, but also of having an American 'life insurance'... and of benefiting from a fleet of devices at a lower price. These are often amortized or used.

... and other more ideological reasons?

The countries of northern Europe (Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium) are also equipped with American equipment. This is Euro-Atlantic solidarity rather than European solidarity. Quite atypical compared to its neighbors, Portugal also bought American equipment, for ideological reasons (and very personal political reasons). Outside the European Union, even neutral Switzerland flies to the US: with F/A 18 Hornets manufactured by Boeing (1). Decidedly, in terms of fighter aircraft equipment... those who claim to be very European are not always those we believe.

In this panorama, how are the French situated?

France is totally isolated. Its fighter aircraft are equipped only with national equipment (2). But, unlike Sweden, another national producer, and the precedent of the Mirage, Dassault did not succeed in exporting its Rafale (plane however excellent) in other countries in Europe. Admittedly, two countries are today in Paris's sights: Belgium and Switzerland. However, this will require a great effort to convince these two French-speaking countries to equip themselves with 'French' equipment. In the future, the Rafale could thus be the last aircraft to be produced 'nationally'. The plane of the future (manned or not = drone) will have to be with another country (United Kingdom or/and Germany). A reason more economic than political. France can no longer follow solo.

 

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What is the comparative advantage of American hardware?

We cannot really blame a country for choosing a proven, competent model, sufficient for national needs and which provides a very suitable quality / price ratio, even much higher than the price of a European aircraft. The F-16 was produced in large numbers: about 4500 copies. This allows economies of scale. Half was bought by theU.S. Air Force, half for export. For a new Eurofighter, Rafale or JAS 39 aircraft, you can afford about four used F-16s.

Apart from political reasons, is buying US effective?

Yes. You have to recognize it. The advantage of buying US is to belong to a global club. The club of countries equipped with the F-16 meets regularly to discuss or request modifications. And when you interview pilots equipped with this type of aircraft, the list of advantages is long. We " benefit from the experience of others an officer explained to me. " There is a constant update of aircraft ". The " Today's F-16 no longer looks like the F-16 purchased at the time ". On the road or in operation, another advantage, it is always possible to find a neighbor who has a spare part or a mechanic capable of giving you a hand. Very appreciable. And then there's no denying it. The aura of America is playing. The pleasure of rubbing shoulders with American pilots, of training in Arizona than in the Po plain or above Auvergne 😉

Could the trend be reversed?

So far, there are no signs showing it. The last countries which have just equipped themselves (Romania, Croatia, Slovakia) have done so with the F-16. And the Bulgarians should follow this path. The Austrians questioned their equipment with the Airbus Eurofighter.

Is the American accusation of European protectionism valid?

No. It's a pure lie... or else it turns out to be notoriously incompetent. The arrival of the new generation American aircraft F-35 (manufactured by Lockheed Martin) in the fleet of several States will siphon off all budgets for many years. It is quite expensive, its actual price still very uncertain. But, above all, fighter aircraft equipment is a heavy investment. Renewal only occurs every 20 years (at best if purchased second-hand) to 40 years (if purchased new). Suffice to say that the acquisitions planned today will weigh down European industry until 2060!

Are the Americans alone to blame?

No. To accuse the Americans of being too powerful is above all to put your finger on a typically European problem: dispersion. The European aeronautics industry is split between three manufacturers (Airbus, Dassault, Saab). This prevents it from having a single model (even if it is available in several versions) and therefore economies of scale. When it comes to choosing a new aircraft, small national egos, like differences in strategic reach, prevent unity.

Why not equip yourself as some do with models made in different countries?

This type of mixed equipment is reserved for countries that have certain means and a certain fleet. Because it is expensive. The trend today is rather now to equip yourself with a single model or at least with a single manufacturer. It must also be recognized: the operational usefulness of an aircraft (its required qualities) differ greatly depending on the country. Most countries (from Finland to Portugal, via Germany or Belgium) above all need surveillance of their soil, and possibly participation in international air policing (in a multinational operation or under covered by NATO). While France or Great Britain intend to keep an offensive intervention capacity.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)

(1) After having canceled an initial call for tenders (following a hostile popular vote), Switzerland put five planes out to tender for the renewal of its fleet: the Swedish Gripen, the European Eurofighter, the French Rafale , the American F-18 Super Hornet and F-35.

(2) Mono-equipment which only concerns aviation with a pilot (known as 'manned'). For unmanned aircraft (drones), France is obliged to use American equipment, for lack of having developed this type of equipment in time.

Nicolas Gros Verheyde

Chief editor of the B2 site. Graduated in European law from the University of Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne and listener to the 65th session of the IHEDN (Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Défense Nationale. Journalist since 1989, founded B2 - Bruxelles2 in 2008. EU/NATO correspondent in Brussels for Sud-Ouest (previously West-France and France-Soir).

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