Good job on echoing Russian talking points to muddy the waters. Lithuania is a sovereign democracy that chooses to invite its allies to base their forces on their land to defend themselves against Russian aggression. If Russia wasn’t taking an aggressive military posture in the Baltics you wouldn’t see NATO forces there.
They're just like planes but they can take off and land without a runway. Planes are vulnerable too, if they don't have adequate countermeasures against threats.
completly wrong, they will be the ones who stay the longest. GS and GE will be replaced the latest. GA will be the first ones to go. And not a single CH 53G is left in the Bundeswehr
No such thing as Airbus NH90, even though Airbus France and Airbus Germany hold more than 60% of the shares of NHIndustries. The rest is held by Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) and Fokker Aerostructures.
If I understand correctly, the armoured brigade only has armoured ground vehicles. What you are seeing is the newly formed "aviation brigade" during exercise "Griffin Lightning". And those helos belong to different brigades in Germany. I'd doubt there would be enough operational tigers otherwise.
A third is from helicopter brigade 36, usually located in Fritzlar, Hessia.
The German armed forces were severely underfunded during the 2000-2020 period, leading to many problems; moreover, the Airbus Tiger and NH90 helicopters are each notoriously maintenance-heavy, lowering their availability below the 70% rate you'd expect from a mission-ready military.
The political left in Germany likes to exaggerate these issues to agitate against increased defence spending. On the other hand, availability rates have improved over the past five-year period. As a consequence, most people interested in German military matters have just got tired of hearing the broken record about aircraft that don't fly and guns that don't shoot straight.
Considering we're looking at Tigers and NH90s it doesn't even matter who is operating them, Luftwaffe may or may not be a disaster, those helis are a nightmare no way to sugarcoat it.
The Aviation Brigade Nato Force Model of the Bundeswehr is a new unit which was established exclusively for deployment in the Baltic states.
Aviation Brigade NFM is a joint unit of Army (Heer) and Air Force (Luftwaffe) consisting of personell and equipment from 11 different Bundeswehr units, among them Kommando Hubschrauber (Helicopter Command), Transporthubschraubberregimenter 10 and 30 (Transport Helicopter Regiments), Kampfhubschrauberregiment 36 (Combat Helicopter Regiment), all of German Army Aviation, and Hubschraubergeschwader 64 (Helicopter Squadron 64 of German Air Force) and Informationstechnikbataillon 381 (IT Battalion).
A total of 65 helicopter will be deployed: NHIndustries NH90 TTH (Troop Transport Helicopter), VFW-Sikorsky CH-53G (support), Airbus Industries EC 135 (liaison and observation) and Eurocopter EC 665 Tiger (combat).
They will give air support to the also newly established Panzerbrigade 45 (Armored Brigade), raising the number of armored brigades in Bundeswehr from 8 to 9.
Both new units will be operating exclusively on Nato’s Eastern flank for the next 2 years at least. Massive infrastructure projects are already underway since January 1, including roadways and streets, housing quarters, schools, kindergardens.
The recent wargame which is still lasting until May 27 is called Perkūno tvirtovė 2025 (Fortress of Thunder) and is part of the larger Griffin Lightning 2025.
At the rearguard we see one of he last airworthy CH-53G, I assume. But fortification is in sight, 60 CH-47F are on schedule, delivery starting in 2027.
Jesus fucking Christ are you brain amputated??? Do you know ANYTHING about German history? The Nazis took power in 1933!!! The Weimarer Republik was Long gone in 1938!
"Erika" is a German marching song that was written in the Weimar Republic. Although its lyrics have no political content, the song was picked up by the Wehrmacht during World War II.[1][2] It was written by Herms Niel and published in 1938.[3][4] The song was then soon used as a soldier song by the Wehrmacht. According to British soldier, historian, and author Major General Michael Tillotson, it was the most popular marching song of any country during the Second World War.[5]
Wow, this gives me the chills. Reminds me of my army days working on AH1 cobras in West Germany in the early 80’s. We got to fly formations smaller than this.
What do you mean „still“? They only just reached FOC, will remain in service for at least 15 more years and more than 30 more were just ordered for the navy. Did you mean the Ch-53G at the end by any chance?
Usually they don't. But the Heeresflieger (Army Aviators) which I assume are part of the Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania are also being integrated into the brigade. Very likely to streamline the chain of command.
I guess they are either part of the current NATO Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania (which is going to be part of the German brigade) or there for a training exercise/show of force/temporarily bolstering the slowly forming ranks of the new brigade.
Yes, German Army helicopters are all part of the separate Heeresflieger. Maybe they would be rotationally attached to the 45th on TDY but doubt they would be subordinated to that on a permanent basis. But I might be wrong of course
GeologistOld1265@reddit
Helicopter flying over occupied territory. The are no valid reason for military to fly over city.
Square_Ad8756@reddit
Yeah there is, to project force in the face of Russian aggression towards a German ally!
GeologistOld1265@reddit
Really? And USA military occupying Germany in order to protect it from????
Square_Ad8756@reddit
Good job on echoing Russian talking points to muddy the waters. Lithuania is a sovereign democracy that chooses to invite its allies to base their forces on their land to defend themselves against Russian aggression. If Russia wasn’t taking an aggressive military posture in the Baltics you wouldn’t see NATO forces there.
GeologistOld1265@reddit
LoL
GrynaiTaip@reddit (OP)
This is a free territory and we'd like to keep it that way.
manavcafer@reddit
Out of the subject but helicopters as a war machine looks so vulnerable.
GrynaiTaip@reddit (OP)
They're just like planes but they can take off and land without a runway. Planes are vulnerable too, if they don't have adequate countermeasures against threats.
manavcafer@reddit
Planes likes to fly its in their nature. Helies they don't want fly in first chance they will kill you.
T-_-I-_-M@reddit
Ever heard of autorotation?
manavcafer@reddit
I know exactly what is autorotation
chupapi-Munyanyoo@reddit
Can anybody tell me what helicopters we see?
I thinkt the first ones are Eurocopter Tigers right?
Gluteuz-Maximus@reddit
Correct. Behind that are Airbus NH-90 and the last one a CH-53. The quality isn't good enough to identify the version of the 53
FZ_Milkshake@reddit
If it's a German brigade, it's probably a CH-53G, to be replaced in the next years by a Chinook variant.
Honest_Seth@reddit
What, a chinook? Why?
mangalore-x_x@reddit
A good number European nations have chosen the Chinook so there was an aspect of inter operability. Probably cost as well.
The CH-53K has very limited buyers by comparison.
FZ_Milkshake@reddit
Basically just two options for heavy lift helos, Chinook or CH-53K. Chinook was a lot cheaper.
miRRacolix@reddit
Transport spare parts, I heard they need many.
Gluteuz-Maximus@reddit
I meant if G, GE, GA, GS
FZ_Milkshake@reddit
No idea, probably to a large degree whatever was airworthy, they are all quite tired now.
Dense-Strategy4995@reddit
completly wrong, they will be the ones who stay the longest. GS and GE will be replaced the latest. GA will be the first ones to go. And not a single CH 53G is left in the Bundeswehr
Sound_Indifference@reddit
As a kid in the 90s, I never thought I'd be happy to see Germany rearming lol.
SeaworthinessEasy122@reddit
No such thing as Airbus NH90, even though Airbus France and Airbus Germany hold more than 60% of the shares of NHIndustries. The rest is held by Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) and Fokker Aerostructures.
Dr_F_Rreakout@reddit
Doggo is a helispotter
disposablehippo@reddit
If I understand correctly, the armoured brigade only has armoured ground vehicles. What you are seeing is the newly formed "aviation brigade" during exercise "Griffin Lightning". And those helos belong to different brigades in Germany. I'd doubt there would be enough operational tigers otherwise. A third is from helicopter brigade 36, usually located in Fritzlar, Hessia.
Hapidjus_@reddit
I think we don't even have 36 functional helicopters at the moment :')
EventAccomplished976@reddit
I was actually very surprised that we currently have enough airworthy ones for this video
BeltfedHappiness@reddit
Auf-
FrisianTanker@reddit
Get lost with the Nazi song
Superb-Illustrator89@reddit
Yank knows nothing about erika
FrisianTanker@reddit
Ich bin Deutscher, du Knecht.
I am german
snickepie@reddit
Mach den Kopf zu und nerve hier nicht unter jedem Kommentar rum.
Superb-Illustrator89@reddit
why are you geh?
luckiop@reddit
so cool
Striker1102@reddit
Oh shit they have working helicopters?
muck2@reddit
That joke is getting worn out …
ency6171@reddit
Can I get a brief explanation on this "working helicopters" joke?
I can only assume it's something about the Nazi period?
muck2@reddit
The German armed forces were severely underfunded during the 2000-2020 period, leading to many problems; moreover, the Airbus Tiger and NH90 helicopters are each notoriously maintenance-heavy, lowering their availability below the 70% rate you'd expect from a mission-ready military.
The political left in Germany likes to exaggerate these issues to agitate against increased defence spending. On the other hand, availability rates have improved over the past five-year period. As a consequence, most people interested in German military matters have just got tired of hearing the broken record about aircraft that don't fly and guns that don't shoot straight.
ency6171@reddit
Thanks for the info.
Upstairs-Extension-9@reddit
It actually has increased a lot in recent years and massive orders are in place with deliveries set for 2026
afito@reddit
Considering we're looking at Tigers and NH90s it doesn't even matter who is operating them, Luftwaffe may or may not be a disaster, those helis are a nightmare no way to sugarcoat it.
Upstairs-Extension-9@reddit
Brother has beef with some helicopters.
_sivizius@reddit
Me, a German, is surprised as well.
Lord-Heller@reddit
CGI got better :D
t_Lancer@reddit
the Tigers and some NH90s usually fly out of Faßberg and Fritzlar
alexrepty@reddit
Same. I was surprised it was helicopters, plural.
_sivizius@reddit
It’s useful ambiguous in German. Just a difference in the article. :D
LikeableCrisis@reddit
Same my expectation was one
FrisianTanker@reddit
God this joke is fucking awful. Pisses me off as a German. Sure, the Bundeswehr wasn't in the best state in the past.
But holy shit the "nothing can fly anymore" shit that has been memed about for at least a decade now was overblown.
Eaglesson@reddit
I didn't know they have so many airworthy ones
Ventaures@reddit
That’s what media wants to tell you
Dry_Signature2649@reddit
Those are probably all of them
icelawlz@reddit
At least they asked this time
EmergencyAnimator326@reddit
3rd time is the Charm
SeaworthinessEasy122@reddit
The Aviation Brigade Nato Force Model of the Bundeswehr is a new unit which was established exclusively for deployment in the Baltic states.
Aviation Brigade NFM is a joint unit of Army (Heer) and Air Force (Luftwaffe) consisting of personell and equipment from 11 different Bundeswehr units, among them Kommando Hubschrauber (Helicopter Command), Transporthubschraubberregimenter 10 and 30 (Transport Helicopter Regiments), Kampfhubschrauberregiment 36 (Combat Helicopter Regiment), all of German Army Aviation, and Hubschraubergeschwader 64 (Helicopter Squadron 64 of German Air Force) and Informationstechnikbataillon 381 (IT Battalion).
A total of 65 helicopter will be deployed: NHIndustries NH90 TTH (Troop Transport Helicopter), VFW-Sikorsky CH-53G (support), Airbus Industries EC 135 (liaison and observation) and Eurocopter EC 665 Tiger (combat).
They will give air support to the also newly established Panzerbrigade 45 (Armored Brigade), raising the number of armored brigades in Bundeswehr from 8 to 9.
Both new units will be operating exclusively on Nato’s Eastern flank for the next 2 years at least. Massive infrastructure projects are already underway since January 1, including roadways and streets, housing quarters, schools, kindergardens.
The recent wargame which is still lasting until May 27 is called Perkūno tvirtovė 2025 (Fortress of Thunder) and is part of the larger Griffin Lightning 2025.
GrynaiTaip@reddit (OP)
Good info.
Construction of the facilities started a couple years ago, not just a few months ago.
KAMEKAZE_VIKINGS@reddit
"Over" is a bit generous here I feel.
imtourist@reddit
Should have been playing Ride of the Valkyries
Vau8@reddit
At the rearguard we see one of he last airworthy CH-53G, I assume. But fortification is in sight, 60 CH-47F are on schedule, delivery starting in 2027.
DietCherrySoda@reddit
"Fortification is in sight" is a little bit awkward in English, your meaning would be more clear if you said "reinforcement".
Vau8@reddit
Don't belittle my English as long as you don't know my French.
Dense-Strategy4995@reddit
There are no CH-53G left in the Bundeswehr. Its either a GA, GE or GS
Vau8@reddit
The latter are just refits of the former, but you're perfectly right.
mew_404_exe@reddit
TIL Germany has functioning helicopters
Kr0x0n@reddit
Erika in background
FrisianTanker@reddit
Nope, don't need that Nazi song for the Bundeswehr
Kr0x0n@reddit
it is not Nazi song, please educate yourself
FrisianTanker@reddit
Yes it fucking is.
You educate yourself.
Erika was released in 1938 by Nazi germanys most important march song writer and composer Herms Niel.
He was an NSDAP loyalist and Goebbels praised his songs for being an important propaganda tool for the Nazi cause.
Kr0x0n@reddit
Weimar Republic
FrisianTanker@reddit
Jesus fucking Christ are you brain amputated??? Do you know ANYTHING about German history? The Nazis took power in 1933!!! The Weimarer Republik was Long gone in 1938!
Jesus, I am talking to a fucking amoeba
Kr0x0n@reddit
https://www.clarku.edu/centers/holocaust-and-genocide-studies/2024/03/13/erika-marching-song-postcard/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erika_(song)
"Erika" is a German marching song that was written in the Weimar Republic. Although its lyrics have no political content, the song was picked up by the Wehrmacht during World War II.[1][2] It was written by Herms Niel and published in 1938.[3][4] The song was then soon used as a soldier song by the Wehrmacht. According to British soldier, historian, and author Major General Michael Tillotson, it was the most popular marching song of any country during the Second World War.[5]
Sgt-Stedanko@reddit
From Gediminas Castle? <3 Lithuania
GrynaiTaip@reddit (OP)
Yep.
RealMarielaxo@reddit
There’s something magical about just watching them glide through
Mumpitzjaeger@reddit
The CH-53 is like the fat kid who can't keep up :D
thisisyourpassword@reddit
This was all we have
thisisyourpassword@reddit
To the downvoters: You don't have to overreact immediately when some dude writes something funny/satirical on the internet.
FrisianTanker@reddit
That "joke" hasn't been funny since 2015
Schneidzeug@reddit
It’s probably because it’s 418473 time that joke was made this week…
Physical-Cut-2334@reddit
https://youtu.be/Z-vmrIbbqKc?si=Gw6NfdyyPL8ig9ax&t=32
all German, the start and the end might be disturbing to some people, the video start after the disturbing "scene" is over.
--Gian--@reddit
Thousand year reich: lasts 12 years and dies the first war it fights
thisisyourpassword@reddit
Video is not available
Physical-Cut-2334@reddit
You sure?
Nervous_Promotion819@reddit
The video is not available in Germany due to a legal complaint
Physical-Cut-2334@reddit
Makes sense, due to the content.
Imperiousdesigns@reddit
The CH53 "GUYS! Wait up! you know I'm too fat to run!"
blinkersix2@reddit
Wow, this gives me the chills. Reminds me of my army days working on AH1 cobras in West Germany in the early 80’s. We got to fly formations smaller than this.
Comfortable_Ant_5320@reddit
Tatattadaaa…..
Jargendas@reddit
Wow, Bundeswehr used all functioning helicopters at once!
Responsible_Dog_9226@reddit
What is the advantage in flying in groups of 4? Would this also be used during war?
EverGivin@reddit
Small groups can make decisions and communicate more efficiently, and maintain awareness of all other members of the group.
ksiv22@reddit
FYI we are the good guys this time!!
CyberSoldat21@reddit
Surprised to see NH-90s still
Speckwolf@reddit
What do you mean „still“? They only just reached FOC, will remain in service for at least 15 more years and more than 30 more were just ordered for the navy. Did you mean the Ch-53G at the end by any chance?
CyberSoldat21@reddit
I was under the impression that NH-90s are unreliable and maintenance hogs that’s all. Idk why I was downvoted
lkullerkeks@reddit
Dude, you've got VVS – vertical video syndrome ... Why don't film this horizontally, this would've made so much more sense.
t_Lancer@reddit
that must be very flight worthy NH90 and Tiger helicopter the german air force currently has
/s
fun fact, I work on the full motion simulators for both the NH90 and Tiger, specifically the helmet mounted sight display.
Responsible_Dog_9226@reddit
What is the advantage of flying in pairs of 4?
ManufacturerLost7686@reddit
"Holy crap, this time they didn't even resist." German officer, probably.
NapsInNaples@reddit
are those broomsticks they have mounted in the doors?
GrynaiTaip@reddit (OP)
Those are boom sticks.
StoneSkorpio@reddit
We now live in a timeline where it's reassuring to watch german aircrafts fly over Europe.
DestoryDerEchte@reddit
Its... its beautyful
PotentialMidnight325@reddit
German chancellor was in town to celebrate the official establishment of the brigade.
If have meet a couple of Lithuanian officers and senior leaders. Very nice people and they got their shit together. Always nice to work with them.
ziuta1234@reddit
Just stay away from Poland this this will ya?
sgtpepperaut@reddit
I’m in Vilnius by chance …. Are they gonna go again ? I missed this one :/
flo_san@reddit
The 45th is a tank brigade. How come they have helicopters?
froggo921@reddit
Usually they don't. But the Heeresflieger (Army Aviators) which I assume are part of the Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania are also being integrated into the brigade. Very likely to streamline the chain of command.
ZaoLife@reddit
These helicopters are not part of the 45th Panzer Brigade AFAIK
Wooden_Ship_5560@reddit
Usually they shouldn't be, yes.
I guess they are either part of the current NATO Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania (which is going to be part of the German brigade) or there for a training exercise/show of force/temporarily bolstering the slowly forming ranks of the new brigade.
ZaoLife@reddit
Yes, German Army helicopters are all part of the separate Heeresflieger. Maybe they would be rotationally attached to the 45th on TDY but doubt they would be subordinated to that on a permanent basis. But I might be wrong of course
nlcircle@reddit
These are not the regular ‘helicopters’. These are the mighty ‘Hubschrauber’ !!!
GrumpyOldGeezer_4711@reddit
For the older folks, Erika.
For the younger crowd, Venga boys are back in town.
ErsatzOrtstafel@reddit
To calm everyone down - its not what you might think...
DasMo19@reddit
Now we are out of helicopters.
persepolisrising79@reddit
GUTEN TAG !