Germany's Airspace Marks Eurofighter Quadriga Test Flight and First French Nuclear Rafale Deployment

On 14 July, Airbus carried out the maiden flight of the first Eurofighter EF2000 built to the Quadriga (Tranche 4) standard for the German Luftwaffe. The aircraft, registered 34+02, took off from the Airbus facility in Manching, Bavaria, and flew for just over an hour under the control of test pilot Stefan Auer as part of a Production Flight Acceptance Test. Airbus said the flight demonstrates a major step for European defence and sovereignty. Deliveries of the 38 Quadriga aircraft ordered in 2020 are slated to begin this year, with additional Tranche 5 units scheduled through the early 2030s.

A separate defence milestone occurred later that week when Germany’s airspace hosted an unprecedented refuelling operation involving two French nuclear‑capable Rafale fighters escorted by two German Eurofighters. This marked the first time French nuclear‑armed aircraft have operated over German territory since 1945. The manoeuvre forms part of France’s “Poker” nuclear exercise, which will now include German participation, reinforcing European deterrence. The activity follows President Emmanuel Macron’s recent announcement of an “advanced deterrence” concept and reflects deepening Franco‑German military cooperation.