Germany Receives First F-35 Jet, Nuclear Role Planned

Germany took delivery of its first F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth facility in Texas on Thursday. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the aircraft as the world's most modern combat jet, highlighting its stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, and networked data fusion.

The federal government plans to purchase 35 jets for approximately ten billion euros to replace the aging Tornado fleet by 2029. The F-35 is primarily intended for NATO's nuclear sharing mission, enabling German crews to carry US nuclear weapons stored in Germany as part of alliance deterrence.

“For the Luftwaffe, a new era begins now: the new F-35A fighter jet is the most modern combat aircraft in the world.”

Pilot and technician training began in the United States earlier this year, with flight training on German-owned aircraft starting in the final months of 2026 at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. The jets will be stationed at Büchel Air Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, which has undergone a two-billion-euro modernization.

The program integrates Germany with 18 other F-35 operating nations, offering shared training, exercises, and logistics. Pistorius met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during the visit to discuss bilateral defense cooperation.