Overview

• Der Spiegel reports a confidential Bundestag filing proposes a supplementary purchase of 15 additional F-35s for about €2.5 billion.
• Military officials argue a larger F-35 fleet is required to meet alliance commitments, including nuclear-sharing duties.
• An expanded buy would bring Germany’s planned F-35 inventory to 50 aircraft, with the first of the original 35 due from 2027.
• Upgrades at Büchel air base, where U.S. nuclear weapons are stored, have seen cost estimates rise from roughly €700 million to about €2 billion to host the fleet.
• The reported move comes alongside a recent order for 20 more Eurofighters as part of a broader Luftwaffe modernization effort.