Overview
- Defense Minister Boris Pistorius personally received Germany’s first F-35 in Fort Worth on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, and German pilots and technicians have begun structured training in the United States.
- Berlin ordered 35 F-35s in 2022 for about €10 billion to replace ageing Tornado jets and to maintain the country’s ability to deliver U.S. B61 weapons under NATO nuclear sharing.
- The first eight German jets will stay in the U.S. for training, further deliveries are scheduled through 2029, and Fliegerhorst Büchel is set to be upgraded from 2027 with costs now estimated near €2 billion to host nuclear‑capable aircraft.
- The F-35 brings stealth, integrated sensors and alliance interoperability but has a record of technical faults, engine issues and low readiness rates that drive high sustainment costs and concern over long‑term availability.
- The U.S. State Department approved a possible sale of 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia that still needs Congressional approval and has drawn protests from Israel, adding a geopolitical dimension to current export and alliance debates.