This list intends to give an accurate detail list of the equipment currently fielded by the German Air Force.
Aircraft | Variant | Origin | Image | Type | In service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Combat aircraft | ||||||
Eurofighter Typhoon | T1 | ![]() | ![]() | Interceptor | 31 | [1] Status: 138 in service (as of 2025) [1] |
T2 | Swingrole jet fighter | 76 | ||||
T3A | Swingrole jet fighter | 31 | ||||
Panavia Tornado | IDS | ![]() | ![]() | Multirole jet fighter, nuclear deterrent bomber | 63 | [6] |
Special mission aircraft | ||||||
Panavia Tornado | ECR | ![]() | ![]() | SEAD, ECR (Electronic Combat Reconnaissance) | 21 | [6] |
Military Transport / Aerial refueling | ||||||
Airbus A400M | A400M | ![]() | ![]() | Tactical airlifter, strategic airlifter, aerial refueling | 50 | [7] [8] A total of 53 A400M are on order. [6] Equipment of the A400M of the Bundeswehr: |
Lockheed Martin C-130J | C-130J-30 | ![]() | ![]() | Tactical airlifter | 3 | [6] [12] |
KC-130J | | Tactical airlifter, aerial refueling | 3 | [6] [13] | ||
Trainer aircraft | ||||||
Panavia Tornado | IDS trainer | ![]() | ![]() | Conversion trainer | 2 | [6] |
Northrop T-38 | T-38C | ![]() | ![]() | Advanced training | 46 | [14] Operated from the USA. |
Grob G 120 | G 120TP | ![]() | | Ab initio trainer | 2 | [6] |
Aircraft | Variant | Origin | Image | Type | In service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Airbus Helicopters H145 | EC645 T2 LUH SOF | ![]() | ![]() | Light utility | 16 | German Air Force as a special forces transport helicopter and has been configured to support their missions both during the day and night. Flown by Special Forces Command [15] |
Sikorsky CH-53 | CH-53G, CH-53GA, CH-53GS | ![]()
| ![]() | Heavy transport helicopter | 81 | [6] [16] First delivered in 1972, 112 aircraft received in total. [17] To be replaced with 60 CH-47F Block II (SR AAR). [18] |
Aircraft | Variant | Origin | Image | Type | In service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transport - "Grey Fleet" | ||||||
Airbus A321neo | A321LR Long range | ![]() | ![]() | Transport, MEDEVAC | 2 | [19] |
Special mission aircraft - "White Fleet" | ||||||
Airbus A319 | A319OH Offener Himmel | ![]() | ![]() | Reconnaissance under the Open Skies Treaty | 1 | In service since June 2019. [20] [21] |
Transport - "White Fleet" | ||||||
Airbus A350 | ACJ350 | ![]() | ![]() | VIP transport, troops transport | 3 | Entered service between January 2021 and March 2023. [22] [23] [24] [25] |
Airbus A321 | A321-200 | ![]() | ![]() | VIP transport, troops transport | 1 | [26] |
Airbus A319 | A319CJ | ![]() | ![]() | VIP transport | 2 | In service since 2010. [27] |
Bombardier Global 5000 | Global 5000 | ![]() | ![]() | VIP transport | 3 | [26] |
Bombardier Global 6000 | Global 6000 | ![]() | | VIP transport | 3 | [28] [29] [26] |
Helicopter transport | ||||||
Eurocopter AS532 | AS532 U2 | ![]() | ![]() | VIP transport | 3 | Operated by the Flugbereitschaft des Bundesministeriums der Verteidigung. [26] |
Aircraft | Variant | Origin | Image | Type | In service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pilatus PC-12 | PC-12 NGX | ![]() | ![]() (illustration) | Test pilot training (and transport aircraft) | 1 | [30] [31] |
Aircraft | Variant | Origin | Operator | Image | Type | In service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aerial refueling | |||||||
Airbus A330 MRTT Multi-Role Tanker Transport | A330-200 MRTT | ![]() | MMF MultinationalMRTT Fleet | ![]() | Tanker, Transport aircraft, Medical evacuation | 9 (+3 on order) | [33] Based at the Eindhoven Air Base in the Netherlands. [34]
The first aircraft entered service in June 2020, the ninth in February 2025). |
A330 MRTT MEDEVAC kit | A330 MRTT | ![]() | ![]() | MEDEVAC kit Medical evacuation | 1 | [40] One of the MRTT aircraft of the MultinationalMRTT Fleet comes with the MEDEVAC kits. The kit is composed of 6 ICU, 16 stretchers and 21 chairs for medical support. [41] | |
Air surveillance | |||||||
Boeing E-3 Sentry | E-3A | ![]() | NAEW&CF programme (NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force) | ![]() | AEW&C Airborne early warning and control | 14 | [42] Based at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany. 18 E-3 used initially, and to be replaced by the E-7 Wedgetail, of which 6 were ordered in January 2024. [43] [44] |
Boeing E-7 Wedgetail | E-7A | ![]() | ![]() | AEW&C Airborne early warning and control | 0 (+ 6 on order) | ||
Drones | |||||||
Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk | RQ-4D Phoenix (Block 40) | ![]() | AGS (Alliance Ground Surveillance) | ![]() | UAV HALE, ISR, Combat Unmanned aerial vehicle high altitude long endurance, intelligence surveillance reconnaissance | 5 | [45] |
Aircraft | Variant | Origin | Contractor | Image | Type | In service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aircraft | |||||||
PZL M28 Skytruck (with underbelly luggage pod) | — | ![]() | PD Sicherheit | ![]() | Paratrooper training | 3 | [46] |
Helicopters | |||||||
Airbus H135 | EC 135P2+ | ![]() | DL Helicopter Technik | — | Training helicopter | — | Contract extended in July 2021. [47] 1 lost in July 2025. [48] |
Airbus H145 | H145 D2 | ![]() | NHV | ![]() | Training helicopter | 1 | Used to train KSK pilots. [49] [50] [51] |
H145 D3 | 2 |
Aircraft | Variant | Origin | Image | Type | In service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UAVs | ||||||
IAI Heron | Heron TP (Eitan) | ![]() | | surveillance and combat | 5 | 5 Heron 1 were leased until July 2023 when it was retired after 13 years in service. [53] Leasing contract for 5 drones signed in 2018. [54] 3 planned to be purchased as of June 2025. [55] |
Aircraft | Variant | Origin | Image | Type | Ordered | Planned to enter service in | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Combat aircraft | |||||||
Eurofighter Typhoon | T4 Quadriga 1-seat | ![]() ( | ![]() | Swingrole | 30 | 2028 | [56] [57] 3 aircraft will be used for further development of the Eurofighter programme. [56] |
T4 Quadriga 2-seat | 8 | ||||||
ECR | ![]() ( | — | SEAD / ECR Suppression of enemy air defence / Electronic Combat Reconnaissance | 15 | 2030 | [58] [59] Development contract signed in November 2023. [60] Transformed from existing 2-seat Eurofighter. [61] Saab Arexis sensor suite selected in March 2024, support by Helsing for the AI platform. [62] Contract for the jamming pods signed in autumn 2025. [63] | |
T5 | — | Swingrole | 20 | 2031 | Purchase approved in October 2025, worth €3.75 billion. [64] [65] | ||
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II | F-35A | ![]() | ![]() | Swingrole / nuclear deterrent bomber | 35 | 2027 | [66] Purchased to continue German contribution to the Nuclear sharing B61-12 |
Special mission aircraft | |||||||
PEGASUS | Bombardier Global 6000 | ![]() | ![]() | SIGINT | 3 | 2026 | Ordered in 2021, to enter service by 2025 and replace the Eurohawk. [6] [28] [29] [26] |
UAVs | |||||||
Eurodrone | — | ![]() | ![]() | surveillance, reconnaissance and combat | 21 | 2030 | 7 systems on contract with 21 drones for €3 billion [67] [68] |
Combat helicopters | |||||||
H145 | H145M LKH Leichter Kampfhubschrauber | ![]() | ![]() | Light attack helicopter | 5 | 2025 - 2026 | 62 ordered by the German military, 5 for the Luftwaffe, 57 for the army. 20 additional ones are on option. [69] |
Transport helicopters | |||||||
CH-47 Chinook | CH-47F Block II SR AAR Standard range, air-to-air refueling | ![]()
| ![]() | Heavy transport helicopter | 60 | 2027 - 2032 | Ordered in July 2023, made under licence in Germany. [70] [71] CH-47F Block II SR AAR.Air-to-air refueling. The SR stands for and AARAir-to-air refuelingfor |
Aircraft | Variant | Origin | Image | Type | Planned to be ordered | Planned to enter service in | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Combat aircraft | |||||||
Eurofighter Typhoon | T5 | ![]() | ![]() | Swingrole jet fighter | 20 | 2030+ | Additional fighters planned to compensate for the retirement of the Tornado. [72] |
— Next Generation Fighter (Future Combat Air System) | — | ![]() | ![]() | 6th generation swingrole jet fighter | — | 2040 | Successor of the Eurofighter. [73] |
Special mission aircraft | |||||||
PEGASUS | Global 6000 | ![]() | ![]() | SIGINT | — | — | Hensoldt hinted in October 2024 that there would be additional aircraft purchased by the German Air Force as three aircraft seem insufficient for the needs. [74] |
Drones | |||||||
Airbus / Helsing wingman concept | — | ![]() | Stealthy UAV, loyal wingman | — | — | [75] [76] Drone to support Eurofighter T5, and the SCAF. MUM-T (manned-unmanned teaming) capable aircraft. | |
Transport helicopters | |||||||
NATO NGRC NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability | — | ![]() | — | Medium Helicopter, ASW / ASuW / SAR / VERTREP / transport | — | — | [77] [78] |
VIP transport | |||||||
Transport helicopter to be selected | 3 | — | — | VIP transport | 2027 | — | €200 million budget for the replacement of the 3 Eurocopter AS532. It is planned to be replaced from 2027 (after 30 years in service). [79] |
Model | Variant | Origin | Image | Type | In service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Communications | ||||||
SATCOMBw | SATCOMBw-1 | ![]() | ![]() (illustration) | Geostationary communication satellites | 1 | [80] [81] Operated at an altitude of 36,000 km. |
SATCOMBw-2 | 1 | |||||
Surveillance / reconnaissance | ||||||
SAR-Lupe | — | ![]() | ![]() | SAR Reconnaissance satellite Synthetic-aperture radar | 5 | [82] [83] They are at an orbit of 500 km. An X-band radar is used by the satellite. |
SARah | — | ![]() | — | SAR reconnaissance satellite Synthetic-aperture radar | 3 | [84] Successor of the SAR-Lupe that operates at an orbit of 750 km. The first one is in service. 2 additional that were launched have had problems entering service. The antennas deployed after manoeuvres. Testing are taking place. [85] [86] If they are not operational, they will be replaced. [87] |
CSO Composante Spatiale Optique | — | ![]() | ![]() | High resolution optical reconnaissance satellite | 3 | Operated by the French Space Force, images supplied to the German Armed Forces through the MUSIS programme. [88] |
R&D satellite | ||||||
H2Sat Heinrich Hertz | — | ![]() | — | Research geostationary communication satellite | 1 | To be used for scientific and technological verifications. [89] Based on the SmallGEO (LUXOR) satellite. Launched by the last Ariane 5. |
Contractor | Model | Origin | Image | Type | In service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Communications | ||||||
Intelsat(through the German comapany MilSat Services) | — | ![]() | ![]() (illustration) | Communication satellite constellation | — | T-AmtBw signed a contract in 2006 with MilSat Services GmbH for commercial transmission capabilities. [90] |
Surveillance / reconnaissance | ||||||
Planet Labs | — | ![]() | — | Satellite imagery | — | [91] €240 million contract signed in July 2025 with access to PlanetScope and SkySat data and AI systems. |
Geo-locating | ||||||
Galileo PRS | — | ![]() | — | Military geo-locating satellites | — | [92] |
Germany plans to spend €35 billion on space security (September 2025), it includes satellite constellations, ground stations, secure launch capabilities into space. [93]
Aircraft | Variant | Origin | Image | Type | Ordered | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Communications | ||||||
SATCOMBw | SATCOMBw-3 | ![]() | ![]() (illustration) | Geostationary communication satellite | 2 | [80] [81] [94] Contract signed for the next-generation of communication satellite that will succeed to the SATCOMBw-1 and SATCOMBw-2. [95] It will be launched by two Ariane 6 in 2029. [95] |
The IDS standard variant is a strike aircraft. The Recce sub-variant can perform all tasks of the IDS, and is capable of performing reconnaissance missions with a pod. This variant has a modified cockpit cabling and a different cockpit display (ASSTA-1 modernisation). [96]
An electronic warfare and SEAD / DEAD aircraft [96] .
Conventional Guided bombs:
Model | Origin | Image | Type | Number | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MIM-104 Patriot Mobile and Protected Signals Intelligence | ![]() | ![]() | SAM | 9 | During Cold War, Germany had 36 Patriot systems in service. As of May 2025, the German Air Force operates 9 Patriot systems. [109] The systems in service are upgraded to PAC-3 standard, and it is equipped with PAC-2 and PAC-3 CRI missiles in service. Germany has also PAC-3 MSE and PAC-2 GEM-T missiles on order. The launchers will be converted to be capable to operate the PAC-3 MSE missiles. [110] [111] |
IRIS-T SLM Part of the ESSI | ![]() | ![]() | Tactical air defense system | 1 (+5 on order) | It is based on the IRIS-T air-to-air missile [113] equipped with an enlarged rocket motor, data link, and jettisonable drag-reducing nose cone. [114] The radar system expected is the Hensoldt TRML-4D, and it should be supported by the Integrated Battle Management Software Fire Control System (IBMS-FS) by Airbus. Six batteries are purchased for €950 million and the delivery will start from 2024, [115] 8 in total are expected eventually. First delivery in August 2024. [112] |
Ozelot LeFlaSys (leichtes Flugabwehrsystem) | ![]() | FlaRaWaTrg:![]() | Light SHORAD | 67 vehicles | System based on Wiesel 2 vehicles, composed of the variants:
Operated by the 3rd Squadron of 61 Surface-to-Air Missile Group. A standard battery is made of
|
Model | Origin | Image | Type | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ground Master 406F | ![]() | ![]() | Early warning, 3D, S-band (IEEE), AESA radar | 6 | Modified variant of the GM403 for the German forces, for a fixed radar system. [117] Operated by the "Operational Command Service" of the Luftwaffe (EinsFüDstLw). Manufactured by Thales Raytheon Systems. [118] |
HADR NF | ![]() | ![]() | Early-warning, 3D, F-band (IEEE), phased array radar | 4 | [119] [120] [121] |
RRP 117 | ![]() | ![]() | Early warning, 3D, L-band (IEEE), AESA radar | 8 | Under radome, in service since 1998 [122] [123] [124] [125] |
Selex RAT-31DL | ![]() | ![]() | Early warning, 3D, L-band (IEEE), solid state phased array radar | 2 | 500 km range [126] [127] |
Hensoldt’s ASR-S | ![]() | ![]() (Illustration image) | Airport surveillance radar | 20 | Radar used for:
|
Model | Origin | Image | Type | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TACAN | ![]() | ![]() | Tactical air navigation | — | [129] |
Future aircraft for the German Air Force, to take over the nuclear deterrence mission and to be used as a strike aircraft as well: [130]
System | Origin | Image | Type | Number | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SAM Systems | |||||
Arrow 3 | ![]() | ![]() | Anti-ballistic missile | 3 | The sale has been approved by Israel and the USA. The contract cost is $3.5 billion and Germany already paid a $600 million initial payment [135] [136] |
MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3+ Part of the ESSI | ![]() | ![]() | SAM / Anti-ballistic missile | 8 | Orders:
The contracts include the fire units, spare parts and support services. |
SAM missiles | |||||
MIM-104 Patriot -PAC-2 GEM-T | ![]() | Surface-to-air missiles | 200 (+ 300 on option) | Framework agreement for up to 500 missiles approved in December 2023 for €3.01 billion. [139] The missiles will be assembled in Germany, and the main subcontractors will be MBDA, Bayern Chemie, TDW Gesellschaft für Wirksysteme, Sener Aerospacial and RTX. [140] Orders: | |
MIM-104 Patriot -PAC-3 MSE | ![]() | ![]() | Surface-to-air missiles | 248 | Germany cleared by DSCA to purchase up to 600 missiles in August 2024. [144] In December 2024, the German parliament approved the purchase of 120 and 128 missiles in two different instances. [110] [111] |
Air-to-air missiles | |||||
Meteor | ![]() | ![]() | Air-to-air missiles | — (€521 million) | Approved for purchase in November 2024. [145] |
AIM-120C AMRAAM | ![]() | ![]() | Air-to-air missiles | 105 | Ordered with the F-35A. [146] |
AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM | ![]() | ![]() | Air-to-air missiles | — (969 planned) | In July 2023, the US State Department approved the sale of AIM-120C8 for €2.61 billion. It includes: 969 AIM-120C-8 + 12 guidance sections + Captive Air Training Missiles + support equipment. [147] In May 2024, the Parliamentary Budget Committee approved the purchase of an unknown quantity of missiles for €178 million. [148] |
IRIS-T | ![]() | | Air-to-air missiles | 120 (+ 1,160 in option) | Ordered in December 2023. €108 million for the 120 first missiles in the LFK version (air-air). [149] Approval to modernise and maintain the IRIS-T missiles in December 2024. [111] |
Air-to-ground missiles | |||||
Joint Strike Missile | ![]() | ![]() | Cruise missile | — | Planned to purchase JSM for a value of NOK 6.5 billion expressed by the government. It needs to be confirmed by the parliament. [150] At the end of June 2025, the German and Norwegian defence ministers signed an agreement for a value of €478.7 million. The first delivery is expected before the end of 2027. [151] |
Brimstone 3 | ![]() | ![]() | Air-to-surface missiles | 379 | Framework agreement for 3,266 missiles approved in June 2024. [152] Orders: |
Radars | |||||
Indra S3TSR "L-Guard" (LEO- Ground based Upscaled AESA RaDar) | ![]() | Space surveillance radar | 1 | Low Earth orbit surveillance radar operating from 200 to 2,000 km. [155] Ordered in February 2025 to Indra. | |
Pods | |||||
Litening V | ![]() | | Targeting pod | 90 | Approved for purchase in June 2025, budget of €350 million. [156] Contract in August 2025. [157] |
The equipment mentioned here is part of the program NNbS, ("Nah- und Nächstbereichs-schutz"), close air-support for the ground troops. At the moment, no decision has been made regarding the operator of those systems, it could go to the Bundeswehr or the Luftwaffe. In 2010, the German forces decided to retire the last 90 Flakpanzer Gepard. In 2012, the air defense of the Bundeswehr was completely disbanded. The Luftwaffe was to support the German forces with their Wiesel 2 Ozelot, and German soldiers had access to FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS.
This equipment described below is the most likely candidates that have been mentioned by the German military and by the German defence industry.
System | Image | Notes |
---|---|---|
LuWES "Luftgestützte Wirkung im elektromagnetischen Spektrum" | Airborne Effects in the Electromagnetic Spectrum planned to be purchased, potential platforms include Airbus airliners or the A400M. [158] | |
AGM-158B JASSM-ER | ![]() | 75 planned by the Bundeswehr. [159] |
AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM | ![]() | The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) asked for the Congress approval of potentially USD $2.90 billion in military sales for the German Air Force on the 19th of July 2023. [160] [161] This sale would include:
|
Patriot system maintenance | ![]() |
|
WRÜbwR Weltraumüberwachungsradars | Approval for the purchase of a space surveillance radar. [111] |
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)Hundreds of books, magazines and articles have been written about the Luftwaffe. A select few are listed here.