Germany receives its first F-35 in the US amid FCAS collapse — Politico Europe
On September 18, Germany received its first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet at Lockheed Martin’s plant in Fort Worth, Texas, United States. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius took part in the aircraft handover ceremony. As Politico Europe reports, deliveries began amid the termination of the French-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System fighter development program.
Replacing the Tornado
The F-35 is intended to replace Germany’s aging Tornado fighter-bombers and preserve Berlin’s role in NATO’s nuclear sharing program. Under this program, Germany and other designated allies have aircraft capable of carrying US nuclear bombs, but the decision to use them remains with Washington.
Germany ordered 35 US fighter jets for approximately €10 billion. The first F-35s will remain in the United States to train German pilots and technical personnel. The following aircraft are due to arrive at Büchel Air Base at the end of 2027, with full operational readiness expected by 2030.
Berlin currently operates around 80 Tornado aircraft, with Eurofighter Typhoons set to take over some of their missions. At the same time, Germany is considering purchasing additional F-35s as an interim option following the termination of FCAS. One scenario envisages buying another 15 such aircraft.
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Searching for a successor
According to Politico Europe, development of the FCAS fighter component was terminated because of disputes over control between leading French and German companies. Paris and Berlin also had different requirements for the future aircraft: France sought a lighter aircraft capable of landing on an aircraft carrier, while Germany wanted a heavier fighter for achieving air superiority.
Pistorius said Germany is assessing the possibility of joining an existing international sixth-generation fighter program or launching a national project led by Airbus. Berlin is also studying the British-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme, although its current participants have shown no interest in expanding the partnership.
Lockheed Martin says that around a quarter of F-35 components are manufactured in Europe. Germany’s Rheinmetall produces fuselage parts for delivery to foreign customers.
