Germany To Cut Down Eurofighter Jets Purchase

The German defence ministry is planning to purchase 143 Eurofighter jets instead of the original 180, according to various media reports.

The ministry of defense officials informed the parliament's defence committee about the decision Wednesday, according to the DPA.

The reduction had been decided in late 2011 by then defence minister Thomas de Maziere, the report said. Out of the total order, more than 100 jets worth around $19.2 billion have already been delivered, it added. 

But Defense Aerospace yesterday reported that Eurofighter has not yet received any official confirmation on the order cancellation from the German Defense Ministry. 

Defence Committee chairman Hans-Peter Bartels issued a statement saying Germany should further cut its Eurofighter fleet, according to business daily Handelsblatt. "We should reduce the Euro Fighter fleet to 108 machines, that's enough," he said.

Meanwhile, AFP reported that German ministry's number two, Stephane Beemelmans was fired from his post as secretary of state today, over a series of procurement problems, including of a scandal-tainted drone project, by new Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen.