Fumanchewd wrote:
The Germans haven't purchased an American fighter since the F4 and I don't see them purchasing any for some time for a variety of reasons, including political ones. The F35 was never seriously considered regardless of the F35. (I don't necessarily fault Germany, but it is a fact.)
The F-4F was a stripped down shell of an airplane that pointed more to Germany wanting to appear to have a decent fighter knowing that if war broke out they would probably be wiped out on day 1. I suspect there was heavy pressure from NATO to buy the F-4 because all the cool kids had it, or at least looked seriously into buying it.
I suspect the Germans would rather put their money into European products that in turn feed back into their economy than just write checks in perpetuity to Lockheed.
I like my coffee how I like my women: Black, bitter, and preferably fair trade.