Germany received the first of nearly three dozen F-35 stealth warplanes it ordered four years ago from Lockheed Martin.<\/p>\n
Published On 18 Sep 202618 Sep 2026<\/p>\n
Germany has received its first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet, as the country accelerates a major military buildup and increases defence spending amid a broader push by European NATO members<\/a> to strengthen their armed forces.<\/p>\n The delivery on Friday is part of Germany\u2019s effort to fulfil NATO nuclear-sharing duties and modernise its military after decades of relatively low defence spending.<\/p>\n Lockheed Martin formally presented the aircraft to the German government during a ceremony at its production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, attended by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the beginning of a new era for the German Air Force: the new F-35A fighter jet is the world\u2019s most advanced combat aircraft,\u201d Pistorius said in a statement. \u201cIt is characterised by its stealth capabilities, close integration with other platforms, and exceptionally powerful sensor technology.\u201d<\/p>\n Germany<\/a> ordered 35 F-35As in 2022, the year Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. The aircraft are intended to replace Germany\u2019s ageing Tornado fleet.<\/p>\n The Trump administration has long pressured<\/a> Europe to spend more on defence, allowing Washington to focus on other challenges such as countering China.<\/p>\n