Lockheed Martin has presented Germany’s first F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft to the German government at a ceremony at the company’s F-35 production facility, marking a milestone in Germany’s acquisition of the aircraft and its integration into NATO operations.
Senior German and U.S. government and military officials attended the ceremony alongside Lockheed Martin employees and industry partners.
Germany has ordered 35 F-35As, which will provide the Luftwaffe with a fifth-generation fighter equipped with stealth technology, advanced sensors and long-range capabilities. The aircraft is operated or selected by 20 countries, including 13 European nations, Lockheed Martin said.
“With the F-35, the German Air and Space Force is receiving a modern, proven and highly capable 5th Generation fighter jet,” said Lieutenant General Holger Neumann, Chief of the German Air and Space Force. “It will not only bring significant changes in our Air and Space Force but will also influence how we think, command and fight. The F-35 will allow us to become part of the larger international F-35 community. That strengthens Germany – and, at the same time, NATO.”
German industry has been involved in the F-35 programme since its launch in 2001 and is expected to remain part of its global supply chain. Lockheed Martin said it was also exploring further industrial partnerships in Germany covering manufacturing, maintenance, training and research and development.
The first eight German aircraft are due to be delivered to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas for pilot training from this autumn. The first F-35s are expected to arrive in Germany in late 2027.
