US EditionGermany 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.
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30 Articles
While the Franco-German-Spanish combat aviation programme seems to be about to stop, due to industrial and political disagreements, Germany would consider ordering more American combat aircraft.
In Berlin there are doubts about the construction of a Franco-German military aircraft. But there are also concerns about the alternative "F-35".
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.
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- 54% of the sources are Center
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