The German government is weighing a bold move to speed up the start of a new aircraft program by omitting the installation of a missile defense system. This consideration is reported by a German media outlet. Journalists note that state aircraft commonly come with a laser anti-missile defense feature as standard equipment. After a series of malfunctions on government aircraft in recent years, the cabinet arranged for the purchase of three new long-range airliners. Of the total investment, a portion is allocated for the protective system, but the installation is projected to take about six months, meaning the fleet would be temporarily out of service during that period. It is also noted that the current head of government previously operated an aircraft with a similar protection setup.
To accelerate readiness, officials are exploring the possibility of proceeding without the defense installations. The proposal has received sign-off from the prime minister’s office and a broader review among other ministers is underway.
Commentary from a defense analyst, who is a member of the parliament from a major party, criticized the idea as ill-advised and risky, given the security environment in Europe. The analyst emphasized that eliminating protection systems on new government planes would create vulnerabilities at a time when air travel for state leadership remains essential.
In parallel, high-profile heads of state are reported to rely on missile defense capabilities on their long-range transport aircraft. For example, a well-known European leader’s aircraft is described as having an anti-missile shield and a laser system intended to intercept surface-to-air threats. In the United States, the national executive transport is said to be equipped with a modern self-defense system, though the specific details are not public.
Earlier reports indicated that a Pentagon inquiry had been initiated into the security arrangements surrounding the president’s aircraft.