Germany unveils first F-35A fighter in Texas
The first F-35A built for Germany has been presented at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility. The aircraft will support pilot training before the fleet begins moving to Germany in 2027.
Germany has unveiled the first of 35 F-35A stealth fighters ordered from Lockheed Martin, with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius describing the milestone as the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s air force, Euractiv reported.
The rollout took place at US Air Force Plant 4 in Fort Worth, Texas, following a tour of the production line by the German delegation. Berlin selected the fifth-generation aircraft as part of the defence overhaul launched in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
German crews will initially use the new jets for training in the United States. The first aircraft are due to arrive at Büchel Air Base in western Germany from 2027, where they will eventually replace ageing Tornado fighters in NATO’s nuclear-sharing mission.
The ceremony also highlighted efforts by Berlin and Washington to strengthen defence-industry ties. During Pistorius’s US visit, the two governments agreed on steps toward closer cooperation, while a Pentagon representative praised Germany as a model ally.