Germany eyes F-35 to replace Tornado
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Germany is considering the purchase of U.S. F-35 stealth jets to replace its 85-strong fleet of ageing Tornado strike aircraft

Germany needs to replace Tornado to remain part of NATO’s nuclear sharing agreement

Berlin hopes to retire Tornado by 2030

Tornado is only German jet able to carry U.S. nuclear bombs, stored in Germany, in case of conflict
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GERMAN AIR FORCE TORNADO VARIANTS

IDS (interdiction/strike): 50

ECR (electronic combat/ reconnaissance): 20

IDS(T)   trainer: 15
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AIRCRAFT COMPARISON

Panavia Tornado
Length 17.2m
Wingspan (25° sweep) 13.9m 
Max. takeoff weight 28.5 tonnes
Powerplant  2 x Turbo-Union RB199-34R turbofans
Max. thrust  69kN (each engine)
Speed (low flight)  Up to Mach 1.3
Armament 27mm cannon, 9,000kg payload

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II 
Length 15.7m 
Wingspan 10.7m 
Max. takeoff weight 31.8 tonnes
Powerplant 1 x Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan
Max. thrust  191kN 
Speed  Up to Mach 1.6
Armament 25mm cannon, 8,160kg payload © GRAPHIC NEWS

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Sources: Air International, Bundeswehr, Reuters, USAF Picture: Getty Images