Germany Received Its First F-35 Fighter Jet
- 18.09.2026, 22:30
The German defense minister inspected the latest U.S. fighter jet in Texas.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Boris Pistorius) took delivery of the first F-35 fighter jet for the German Air Force on Friday, September 18, in the U.S. state of Texas. The handover ceremony took place at the headquarters of the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, in Fort Worth, according to "Deutsche Welle".
The American defense company called the delivery of the aircraft “an important milestone for Germany” as well as for NATO as a whole. According to the company’s statement, Pistorius declared a “new era for the Air Force.”
“The Most Advanced Aircraft”
“The new F-35A fighter is the most advanced combat aircraft in the world,” said Pistorius. According to him, the aircraft is distinguished, in particular, by its stealth capabilities and exceptionally powerful sensor technology.
“The F-35A is capable of collecting vast amounts of data and quickly integrating it into a comprehensive operational picture. The first fighter jets will be delivered as early as this year, and full operational readiness is planned to be achieved by 2029,” the German minister noted. Thus, according to him, the F-35A provides a key strategic capability—both for the German Air Force and for NATO as a whole.
“Together with 19 other countries, we are putting transatlantic cooperation into practice by using common standards, technologies, and procedures. It is precisely this interoperability that opens up numerous opportunities for training, exercises, and operations, making us stronger together,” Boris Pistorius added.
Training in the U.S.
The first eight F-35 fighter jets for the German Air Force will remain in the U.S. for the time being. German pilots and technicians will undergo training on them there.
Starting in 2027, the first aircraft are scheduled to be stationed at Büchel Air Base in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. They will replace the German Air Force’s Tornado fighter jets.
At the start of his visit to the U.S., Boris Pistorius signed an arms agreement with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset near Washington, D.C., on September 15.