[REVISION HISTORY]

Germany F-35A fighter jet procurement

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2026-09-30 11:54 UTC → 2026-10-07 09:15 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Germany is progressing with its procurement of 35 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters to replace its aging Panavia Tornado fleet, which is scheduled for retirement by 2030. The first aircraft, designated MG-01 with military tail number 35+01, entered the final production stages in Fort Worth, Texas, in August 2026 and completed its maiden flight by September 2026. On September 18, 2026, Lockheed Martin held a ceremony in Fort Worth to officially present the first F-35A to Germany. This delivery marks the beginning of the Luftwaffe's transition to fifth-generation fighter technology and represents the first time the German Air Force has operated American-made combat aircraft since retiring the McDonnell Douglas F-4F Phantom II in 2013. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the event as the beginning of a “new era” for the Luftwaffe, highlighting the aircraft’s advanced sensor technology, low observability, and rapid data fusion capabilities. This acquisition is a strategic component of Germany’s military modernization, specifically intended to support NATO nuclear-sharing missions. The procurement is part of a larger acquisition package; while the F-35 deal is valued at approximately ten billion euros, it is part of a broader US-German procurement package worth over $30 billion that includes Patriot systems, P-8A Poseidon, and CH-47F Chinook helicopters. ~~Following the initial phase,~~ On October 5, 2026, the first of eight ~~aircraft will be stationed~~ Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets destined for Germany arrived at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in ~~Arkansas~~ Fort Smith, Arkansas. This arrival initiates a training program conducted by the 85th Fighter Group to ~~facilitate training.~~ allow German pilots and maintenance personnel to master shared tactics and combat languages. At least 70 German pilots are ~~slated~~ expected to ~~begin~~ undergo training at the ~~base in December, with a training program expected to last~~ facility over the next five ~~years. These~~ years, supported by six German instructor pilots. The remaining seven of the initial eight aircraft are ~~expected~~ scheduled to ~~begin arriving~~ arrive at ~~Büchel Air Base in Germany in the third quarter of 2027, with the full 35-jet fleet expected to reach full operational capability~~ Ebbing by ~~2029.~~ April 2027.

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