This report contains twelve flying and three ground-based weapons systems from the Air Force. While the material readiness for use of the ground-based systems was consistently positive, the picture is more differentiated with the flying weapon systems, and the Air Force was able to fully meet its operational obligations. During Counter Daesh, Resolute Support and MINUSMA missions, the material availability of the Luftwaffe's weapon systems was regularly very high. The A400M continues to impress at Counter Daesh as a tanker. If the situation in the region requires it, the A400M also guarantees the rapid transfer of personnel and material at night due to its capabilities for protected air transport. The Air Force also achieved a high level of material operational readiness for long-term operations in Germany, including the alarm rots for air safety, for NATO air policing in the Baltic States and for ensuring 12-hour readiness for aeromedical evacuation. In particular, the short-term mission flights for the transport of COVID-19 patients clearly underline the need to be able to use Air Force transport planes such as the A400M quickly and flexibly with this special ability. During this reporting period, the associations had around six more EURO FIGHTERs available for flight operations each day than the average for 2019. Overall, the number of ready-to-use EUROFIGHTERs has increased by 50% in the last three years. As a result, the development of flight hours also shows a positive trend. However, the first effects of the COVID-19 pandemic can be felt. For example, high-quality flying exercises abroad had to be ended prematurely or canceled. Since then, the squadrons have focused in particular on keeping the alarm ranks permanently operational for security in airspace.
The TORNADO weapon system remains a problem even after Counter Daesh has been deployed. It takes a lot of effort to train crews completely and on time. The situation is similar with the CH-53, where after 16 years of continuous use in AFG, a break is urgently needed to achieve a certain consolidation.
Four light multi-purpose helicopters from the Air Force for the transport of special forces (LUH SOF) were relocated to NIGER for the first time in the reporting period for a joint, multinational exercise of the special forces with the Air Force's A400M. Both weapon systems have proven themselves - also in interaction.
The BMVg's readiness to fly was again able to operate the parliamentary flight operations at the usual high level. The decisions to add to the fleet were logical in terms of greater reliability and contributed to the positive development. Overall, the measures taken in modern weapon systems to improve the material readiness for action are taking effect and the positive trend continues. This needs to be continued. This is also due to a stronger support on the industry, which the A400M, for example, will be expanded promptly. The rapid material growth and the required resilience in flight operations of the BMVg's willingness to fly are also supported by additional industrial personnel. As part of the operational readiness initiative, the Air Force set itself ambitious goals for the two main weapon systems A400M and EUROFIGHTER in March 2020, the achievement of which requires joint and targeted action at all levels.