Germany receives first F-35A fighter jet from Lockheed Martin

Germany has received its first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet from U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin, marking a significant step in the country's military modernization and its role within NATO. The aircraft was formally presented to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during a ceremony at Lockheed Martin's production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 18, 2026. The delivery is part of a 35-aircraft order placed by Germany in 2022, intended to replace its aging Panavia Tornado fleet. The first eight jets will be sent to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas this fall for pilot training, with the aircraft expected to arrive in Germany in late 2027. Full operational capacity for the fleet is planned for 2029. Pistorius described the F-35 as the world's most advanced combat aircraft, stating it marks the beginning of a new era for the German Air Force. He highlighted its stealth capabilities, advanced sensor technology, and integration with other platforms. The aircraft is certified to carry the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb, which is crucial for Germany's role in NATO's nuclear-sharing arrangements, a mission currently performed by the Tornado.