Germany Considers Increasing Purchase of F-35A Fighter Jets from the United States

Germany is considering purchasing at least 35 additional F-35A fighter jets from the United States.

Reuters reports this, citing its sources.

The move would allow Germany to secure an alternative to the next-generation Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet program, which Berlin and Paris may withdraw from due to industrial rivalry.

Meanwhile, this step would increase Germany’s reliance on American military technology.

One source told the media that Berlin is holding talks that could lead to the purchase of more than 35 additional fighter jets.

A second source did not specify the exact number. At the same time, both sources warned that the outcome is still uncertain.

Reports about Germany’s possible purchase of additional F-35A Lightning II aircraft started to occasionally appear last year, but have not been officially confirmed.

Germany’s F-35A

In particular, Der Spiegel reported in October, citing documents from Germany’s Ministry of Defense, that there were plans to order an additional 15 aircraft to be used as nuclear weapons carriers.

According to documents submitted to the Bundestag’s budget committee, the cost of this additional purchase was estimated at approximately €2.5 billion.

They are intended to complement the 35 fighter jets already ordered, the first of which are scheduled to enter service with the German Air Force in 2027.

Due to the commercial success of the F-35 program, Germany will not only purchase the aircraft but will also manufacture center fuselage sections and other components at a Rheinmetall facility.

The new plant launched operations in early July 2025 in the city of Weeze (North Rhine-Westphalia).