BERLIN, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Maintenance and repair work for the German air force will only be performed on a limited basis through the remainder of the year to save money.
DefenseNews reported the decision had been relayed in a letter to relevant industries by the service's Weapon System Command.
"German Air Staff will only authorize those (repairs and maintenance work) which are absolutely needed and mission-relevant," a Defense Ministry spokesman was quoted as saying.
In the letter to industry the spending cuts were said to be the result of unforeseen reductions in the defense budget for 2010 and following years as the German government tries to save money amidst the worldwide economic crisis.
The command said it expects further reductions to its maintenance budget next year.
Cuts to the air force budget would only be manageable by reducing the flying time of aircraft and by stockpiling reserves, sources said in the report.
The number of flying hours by German military aircraft had already been reduced because of budget cuts, a Defense Ministry spokesman was quoted as saying.
