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Germany seeks more F-35 jets as European fighter program falters: Report
Germany may increase its F-35 fleet to about 85 jets amid stalled €100 billion FCAS program and NATO nuclear commitments, with no final decision yet announced.
- Yesterday, Germany was negotiating to buy more U.S.-made F-35 jets, two sources told Reuters, though the outcome remains uncertain.
- Deadlock over the FCAS program has left partners at odds, with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius saying last week the fate of FCAS would become clear within days.
- Germany's existing F-35 orders include 35 jets bought in 2022 with deliveries due later this year, and additional jets would cost more than $80 million each as Lockheed focuses on current builds.
- Sources said Germany may soon announce an expanded F-35 purchase, shifting toward deeper U.S. military integration and buying time for a future jet project, a move expected soon.
- On Wednesday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the question remains whether a manned sixth-generation jet is needed, while Germany's Defence Ministry did not immediately comment and the Pentagon referred questions to Germany.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Germany seeks extra F-35 jets amid European programme snags
Germany may buy more American F-35 fighter jets. This comes as a joint fighter jet project with France faces significant challenges. The potential purchase signals a shift in Germany's defense strategy. The F-35s will eventually replace older Tornado jets. The future of the Franco-German project remains uncertain.
The joint European fighter jet project FCAS is facing failure. By purchasing more US jets, Berlin could, according to a report, create time for finding new partners.
Belgium, which moves on F-35 of the fifth generation from Lockheed Martin, continues to take into account the launch of such additional flight equipment. The Belgian government approved the acquisition of 11 F-35A still in July 2025. The final production of those who are located in the Italian factories, where aircraft are assembled for the Italian and Dutch air forces, is announced.
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