RAF Coningsby and Luftwaffengeschwader 73 Taktisches, based at Laage, Germany, signed a formal ‘Twinning’ agreement at a ceremony at the Lincolnshire base.
The agreement allows the two forces to create regular opportunities to meet, train and exercise together, at both Laage and Coningsby.
Station Commander at Coningsby, Group Captain Mark Flewin said,
“I’m delighted that we have now joined with our German colleagues in this mutually beneficial arrangement. The Twinning agreement formalises the relationship we have had with our NATO ally for many years, but it will also create enhanced opportunities to strengthen cooperation and interoperability.”
Lieutenant Colonel Joachim Kaschke, the Commander of the Tactical Air Wing at Laage said,
“This is a great day for all of us! With this agreement we have taken our cooperation to the next level. We have already achieved a lot and are excited to continue this shining example of British and German Airmen working together.”
Absolutely marvellous! Extremely beneficial to all.
As it is not an Anglo/US alliance, Jo Public will probably not hear about it.
The Germans must have more than 4 operational Typhoons, then.
I’m probably missing something but as we’re allies anyway, what does this actually mean, other than a few extra jollies for the ‘high heidyins’ to go back and forth and pat each other on the back for making the arrangement.
Surely we can plan to work together anyway ????
Agreed but the upper lot need their jollies,so the rest of us have to get on with the real work.
Have the luftwaffe…I mean German airforce now achieved more than 6 operation eurofighters? Their combat readiness is a concern ditto lack of spare parts, munitions etc. NATO is worried about pretty much entire EU force structure.
Time to spend a bit more Mrs Merkel or whoever replaces her.
Apart from top brass having jollies does this exchange scheme achieve anything militarily? Eg prepares armed forces for combat, increases inter operability with however many Eurofighters Germany has available?
Is it costing uk taxpayers to fund these schemes?
Something for Def Sec or audit office to look into I think.
I would have thought joint training would be easily achieved via the numerous NATO missions and exercises.
I suspect this may be part of an initiative to get the Luftwaffe’s Typhoon force back into the skies – with some RAF operational support.
So we are propping them up again/ still . Like the UK has been since the end of WW2. Meanwhile the Germans continue to have the very best roads, rail , hospitals and infrastructure for their size in Europe+ have the largest budget surplus.
Other than Defense Spending, the Germans could teach the Brits about the “best roads, rail , hospitals and infrastructure for their size in Europe+ have the largest budget surplus”.
Hi Mister Bell, I think Brexit means a close relationship with Germany is going to become very important to the UK. Perhaps even more so than when we were EU members (assuming we do leave by 31/01/2020). If this is indeed what it is – using defence to gain additional leverage in forthcoming trade talks seems a sensible idea.
Sounds like coningsby will be providing jets for the Scotts and now the Germans ffs