The German defence ministry plans to announce next steps by the end of the year in its drive to replace 85 ageing Tornado fighter jets according to Reuters.

“There will be a decision this year,” a ministry spokesman said. Sources familiar with the process said the ministry was likely to narrow the field of potential replacement jets from four to two — the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35.

German Defence Minister Von der Leyen favours a European solution however the ministry pushes for alternatives like F-35, F-15 and F/A-18E/F jets.

The ministry opted out other options like spliting buy of two aircraft types, and extending the life of the Tornados.