Germany’s F-35 era begins with first jet handover

Germany has taken delivery of its first F-35A fighter jet from US defence contractor Lockheed Martin as Berlin ramps up defence spending amid heightened tensions with US President Donald Trump, Bloomberg reports.

The aircraft was officially handed over to Germany at a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, attended by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

Pistorius praised the F-35A’s stealth capabilities, advanced data collection and processing systems, and ability to operate alongside other military platforms. He also defended Germany’s decision to purchase the aircraft, saying it is the only fighter capable of carrying US-owned nuclear bombs under NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangement.

Germany has ordered 35 F-35A aircraft for approximately €10 billion. The jets will replace the country’s aging Tornado fleet and will form part of Germany’s contribution to NATO’s nuclear deterrence arrangements.

The first eight aircraft will remain in the United States to support the training of German pilots and technical personnel. Deliveries to Büchel Air Base in Germany are scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2029.

By Vafa Guliyeva