Germany Has No Plans For Additional F-35 Jets, Berlin Confirms

Germany Says No Plans For Additional F-35 Jets

Germany has no plans for additional F-35 jets beyond its existing order, according to a government spokesperson, pushing back on recent media reports that Berlin was considering expanding its fleet.

The clarification follows reporting that suggested Germany might seek more of the U.S.-built stealth fighters. Speaking on February 19, a German government spokesperson said there are currently no plans to procure additional aircraft beyond those already approved.

Germany in 2022 committed to acquiring 35 F-35A aircraft from Lockheed Martin to replace its aging Tornado fleet. The jets are intended primarily for NATO’s nuclear sharing mission, allowing Germany to continue carrying U.S. nuclear weapons stationed in Europe under alliance arrangements.

The F-35A, the conventional takeoff and landing variant of the F-35 Lightning II family, is produced in the United States and operated by several NATO allies.

Background On Germany’s F-35 Decision

Berlin’s initial F-35 procurement marked a significant shift in German defense policy. The decision came shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a major defense spending increase and a 100 billion euro special fund to modernize the armed forces.

At the time, Germany selected the F-35A over other options to ensure certification for the nuclear sharing role. The aircraft’s stealth characteristics and interoperability within NATO were central to the decision.

The German Air Force, or Luftwaffe, plans to base the F-35A fleet at Büchel Air Base, where infrastructure upgrades are underway to support the new aircraft.

Government Pushes Back On Expansion Reports

Recent reports suggested Berlin could consider expanding its F-35 fleet, potentially deepening defense ties with Washington. However, the government’s statement makes clear that no such expansion is currently under consideration.

The clarification comes as Germany also participates in the Future Combat Air System, or FCAS, a joint next generation fighter program with France and Spain. That effort, led by companies including Airbus and Dassault Aviation, aims to field a new combat aircraft in the 2040 timeframe.

Balancing near term capability needs with long term European industrial goals remains a key issue for Berlin. Expanding the F-35 fleet could raise political and industrial questions about Europe’s strategic autonomy and domestic aerospace priorities.

Strategic And Industrial Implications

For now, Germany’s position signals continuity rather than expansion. The existing 35 aircraft order already represents a major investment in U.S. technology and long term sustainment commitments.

Any future decision to purchase additional F-35 jets would likely require parliamentary approval and alignment with broader defense planning cycles. It would also intersect with NATO force planning targets and Germany’s evolving defense budget trajectory.

The government’s statement underscores that, despite speculation, Berlin is maintaining its current procurement plan.