German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius took delivery of the first F-35 fighter jet intended for the German air force in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. The aircraft was manufactured by Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, where Germany placed an order for a total of 35 aircraft in 2022. Deutschlandfunk ↗
The delivery represents a significant step in the modernization of the German Luftwaffe. The F-35 is among aircraft featuring radar-reducing stealth technology and has the capability to carry nuclear bombs. Through this new aircraft type, Germany is thus joining NATO's nuclear deterrence efforts. Tagesspiegel ↗
Pistorius described the handover of the first aircraft as a significant milestone for the Bundeswehr. The F-35 jets are to gradually replace the older Tornado aircraft, which Germany also uses as part of its commitments related to nuclear sharing. Welt ↗
The purchase also highlights Germany's strategic dependence on the United States for key defense technologies. The new aircraft will strengthen the capabilities of the German air force, but their acquisition also means a long-term connection to the American defense industry and its logistics and service capacities. Politico Europe ↗
The first aircraft marks the beginning of a broader delivery of the ordered fleet. In the period ahead, Germany will need to ensure crew training, the introduction of the aircraft into service, and their full integration into Bundeswehr missions and NATO's joint nuclear deterrence.
Germany takes delivery of first F-35 fighter jet for the Bundeswehr
On Record
Boris Pistorius
nemecký minister obrany
30.06.2026
„By adding another highly capable headquarters to NATO’s eastern flank, we improve our readiness, enhance our command-and-control structures and reinforce our ability to deter any potential adversary."
Pri odovzdaní velenia 1. nemecko-holandského zboru v estónskej Valge.
This summary was generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies. Please verify information in the original sources below.
Sources (4)
Rüstungsprojekte: „Modernstes Kampfflugzeug“: Deutschland bekommt F-35
Tagesspiegel
| 05:26 18.09.
Deutschlands Kampfjet-Dilemma
Politico Europe
| 05:52 18.09.
USA-Reise - Verteidigungsminister Pistorius nimmt in Texas bestellten F35-Kampfjet in Empfang
Deutschlandfunk
| 02:17 18.09.
Pistorius nimmt ersten F-35-Kampfjet in Empfang
Welt
| 05:01 18.09.
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