[Defense News] COLOGNE, Germany — The German defense ministry wants to start fresh on a new heavy transport helicopter after finding that offers from Boeing and Lockheed for the Chinook and the King Stallion, respectively, were too expensive, officials announced today."too expensive" or a temper tantrum at Trump's push to de-emphasize American bases in Germany?
The surprise decision halts an acquisition race that was scheduled to a see a contract awarded in 2021. The two companies had delivered their initial proposals for the program, aimed at replacing Germany’s aging CH-53G helicopters, in January 2020. A request for a second proposal had been expected by the end of this year.
The move comes as the budget implications of the coronavirus crisis are starting to materialize despite leaders' pledges to keep military spending high. Given that context, other programs are also expected to be on shaky ground, according to sources in Berlin.