Germany receives first F-35 jet from US as NATO boosts military spending

Germany received the first of nearly three dozen F-35 stealth warplanes it ordered four years ago from Lockheed Martin.Published On 18 Sep 202618 Sep 2026Germany has received its first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet, as the country accelerates a major military buildup and increases defence spending amid a broader push by European NATO members to strengthen their armed forces.The delivery on Friday is part of Germany’s effort to fulfil NATO nuclear-sharing duties and modernise its military after decades of relatively low defence spending.Lockheed Martin formally presented the aircraft to the German government during a ceremony at its production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, attended by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.“This is the beginning of a new era for the German Air Force: the new F-35A fighter jet is the world’s most advanced combat aircraft,” Pistorius said in a statement. “It is characterised by its stealth capabilities, close integration with other platforms, and exceptionally powerful sensor technology.”Germany ordered 35 F-35As in 2022, the year Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. The aircraft are intended to replace Germany’s ageing Tornado fleet.The Trump ...