Aviation News – Germany’s procurement of the F-35A fighter advanced this week as Lockheed Martin began building the first aircraft for the Luftwaffe, marking a major milestone in the nation’s airpower renewal.
The start of production follows the German Ministry of Defence’s December 2022 decision to order 35 F-35A Lightning II jets under a EUR10 billion (USD11.5 billion) program. During a visit to Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility in Texas, State Secretary Nils Hilmer signed the bulkhead of aircraft MG-01, formally launching manufacturing. The fighters will replace Germany’s ageing Tornado fleet, central to NATO’s shared nuclear deterrence mission, while also enhancing conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities.
The F-35A brings stealth, advanced sensors, and multi-role flexibility to Luftwaffe operations. Its integration is expected to strengthen Germany’s contribution to NATO missions and improve interoperability with allied forces already operating the aircraft.
Pilot and maintainer training will begin in the United States in 2026, with the first aircraft scheduled to arrive at Büchel Air Base in late 2027. Deliveries will continue through 2029, leading to initial operating capability that same year and full capability in 2030. While senior Luftwaffe officials have suggested Germany may procure additional aircraft, the defence ministry has not confirmed any expansion.
In the coming years, the F-35A fleet is expected to reshape Germany’s air combat readiness and support NATO’s strategic posture. The program marks a long-term shift toward advanced multirole platforms and deeper alliance integration.
