Berlin, February 19 - Germany is reportedly exploring the acquisition of additional F-35 fighter jets from the United States, according to sources familiar with the discussions. This potential expansion follows Berlin's 2022 commitment to purchase 35 of the advanced stealth aircraft from Lockheed Martin, with deliveries scheduled to commence this year. Negotiations could result in an order exceeding 35 more units, each valued at over $80 million, further integrating American technology into Germany's air force capabilities. The move aligns with broader pressures from Washington for European NATO allies to bolster defense expenditures amid evolving security challenges.
The consideration arises amid significant difficulties in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), the ambitious joint program involving Germany, France, and Spain. Launched in 2017 as a 100-billion-euro initiative to develop a sixth-generation fighter to replace aging platforms like the Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale from around 2040, FCAS has encountered persistent deadlocks. Industrial disagreements between key partners, particularly over leadership roles, workshare distribution, and technological control between Airbus Defence and Space and Dassault Aviation, have stalled progress. Recent statements from German leadership have questioned the viability of pursuing a manned next-generation fighter under the current framework.
Insiders suggest that Germany and France may ultimately abandon the joint development of a shared fighter jet, potentially shifting focus to collaborative elements such as drones and the digital "combat cloud" network that connects manned and unmanned systems. Acquiring more F-35 jets would provide Berlin with an interim solution to maintain advanced air combat readiness while reevaluating long-term options. This approach would bridge potential capability gaps, offering time to explore alternative partnerships or strategies for future fighter development without immediate reliance on a faltering European-led effort.
The prospective increase in F-35 procurement signals a pragmatic adjustment in Germany's defense posture, prioritizing operational needs and NATO interoperability over full European strategic autonomy in next-generation aviation. While the exact scope of any new order remains under negotiation, the discussions underscore the challenges facing multinational defense projects and the enduring appeal of proven, fifth-generation platforms in addressing immediate requirements.
