German defence minister wants quick decision on Tornado replacement

German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Berlin, Germany, September 18, 2019. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on Monday said she aimed to decide as soon as possible next year how to replace Germany's ageing fleet of Tornado fighter jets to prevent a lapse in Germany's ability to carry out missions for NATO.

Kramp-Karrenbauer, leader of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats, said she discussed the issue with U.S. Defence Secretary Mark Esper during her first official visit to Washington since taking on her new role as defence minister.