On September 18, Germany received its first F-35 stealth fighter in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. German Defense Minister Pistorius attended the handover ceremony. Germany has ordered 35 F-35 stealth fighters from the Lockheed Martin factory. These fighters will replace German “Cyclone” fighter-bombers, promote the modernization process of the German military, and maintain their role in the NATO nuclear sharing system. The first F-35 stealth fighters will remain in the US for training, and are expected to enter combat readiness in 2030. Previously, due to a control dispute, France, Germany, and Spain's plan to jointly develop sixth-generation fighter jets went bankrupt, leading to a long-term gap in the development of Germany's air combat power. Currently, Germany is considering purchasing additional F-35 fighters as a transition, and it is also possible that Airbus will take the lead in developing domestic fighter jets.

On September 18, Germany received its first F-35 stealth fighter in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. German Defense Minister Pistorius attended the handover ceremony. Germany has ordered 35 F-35 stealth fighters from the Lockheed Martin factory. These fighters will replace German “Cyclone” fighter-bombers, promote the modernization process of the German military, and maintain their role in the NATO nuclear sharing system. The first F-35 stealth fighters will remain in the US for training, and are expected to enter combat readiness in 2030. Previously, due to a control dispute, France, Germany, and Spain's plan to jointly develop sixth-generation fighter jets went bankrupt, leading to a long-term gap in the development of Germany's air combat power. Currently, Germany is considering purchasing additional F-35 fighters as a transition, and it is also possible that Airbus will take the lead in developing domestic fighter jets.