Germany receives first F-35 jet from US as NATO boosts military spending
Germany received the first of nearly three dozen F-35 stealth warplanes it ordered four years ago from Lockheed Martin.
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 to strengthen their armed forces.
The delivery on Friday is part of Germany’s effort to fulfil NATO nuclear-sharing duties and modernise its military after decades of relatively low defence spending.
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.
“This is the beginning of a new era for the German Air Force: the new F-35A fighter jet is the world’s most advanced combat aircraft,” Pistorius said in a statement. “It is characterised by its stealth capabilities, close integration with other platforms, and exceptionally powerful sensor technology.”