Germany's first F-35A completes engine installation, moving toward delivery

The Pratt & Whitney F135 engine has been installed in Germany’s first F-35A Lightning II at the Lockheed Martin production line in Fort Worth, marking a key production milestone and allowing the aircraft to proceed to final system checks, ground runs and flight testing.

The jet is part of an €8.4 billion contract for 35 aircraft that will replace the Luftwaffe’s aging Tornado fleet and sustain Germany’s NATO nuclear‑sharing responsibilities. Deliveries to the Büchel air base are planned from late 2026, with full operational capability expected a few years later, signalling a shift toward next‑generation stealth capability for the German Air Force.