Germany Equips Eurofighter Warplanes with Brimstone Missiles
Germany to Integrate MBDA Brimstone Anti-Tank Missiles into Eurofighter Warplanes
The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) is making plans to equip its Eurofighter aircraft with Brimstone anti-tank missiles produced by European defense company MBDA. The Bundeswehr has outlined in budget documents dated January 17 its intention to procure 274 of these anti-tank missiles to enhance the capabilities of the Eurofighter fleet. The purchase agreement is expected to be signed in the second quarter of 2024.
The integration of Brimstone missiles into German Eurofighter warplanes is expected to significantly increase their ability to engage surface targets. The use of these missiles has been proven in conflicts such as Afghanistan and Libya, with the Ukrainian Armed Forces also actively deploying them on land defense platforms.
This decision follows in the footsteps of Spain and England, who are partners of the Eurofighter aircraft and have already chosen to utilize Brimstone anti-tank missiles on their aircraft. As per the most recent document published, Germany has also agreed to participate in this choice. Italy, the fourth partner of the fighter jet, is yet to make a decision on the missile. Export customer Qatar has selected the Brimstone missile for its Eurofighter fleet. However, Austria, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, other users of the aircraft, have not yet made a decision to prefer the Brimstone missile.
In related news, Germany has taken a step back regarding Eurofighter fighter jets by allowing the supply of Eurofighter Typhoon warplanes to Saudi Arabia. Following the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 and due to the war in Yemen, Berlin had previously stopped arms sales to Saudi Arabia and blocked the supply of Eurofighter Typhoon warplanes to the country.
With the inclusion of Brimstone anti-tank missiles into the German Eurofighter fleet, the Bundeswehr aims to modernize its aircraft and further enhance its combat capabilities.
