Germany modernises Air Force with F-35 jets: a leap in defence and NATO collaboration

By Defence Industry Europe

The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) is set to receive 35 brand-new Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, replacing its ageing Tornado fleet. This significant investment, funded by a special EUR 10 billion budget, addresses the increasing difficulty of maintaining the older aircraft and enhances Germany’s defence capabilities.

 

The F-35A will bolster the Luftwaffe’s operational capacity and improve Germany’s interoperability with NATO allies. This cutting-edge aircraft offers advanced features, including stealth technology, sensor data fusion, and networked communication, enabling superior performance in complex threat environments.

The Tactical Air Wing 33, based in Büchel, Rhineland-Palatinate, will receive the F-35s starting in 2027. The transition will culminate in 2030 when the Tornado jets are fully decommissioned. To accommodate the new aircraft, Büchel Air Base is undergoing extensive modernisation, including the creation of an “F-35 Campus” with state-of-the-art facilities for maintenance, operations, and pilot preparation.

 

 

Construction of the campus began on 23 October 2024, with completion expected by November 2026. These upgrades are essential to meet the technical and cybersecurity requirements of the F-35, which significantly surpass those of the Tornado.

The F-35 acquisition is also integral to Germany’s commitment to NATO’s nuclear sharing policy. Defence experts highlight that the F-35 ensures credible deterrence against potential aggressors and strengthens NATO’s collective security.

In addition to Germany, 12 other NATO nations are using or plan to adopt the F-35, enhancing alliance cohesion and operational synergy. The aircraft’s unique stealth capabilities, shaped by its design and material composition, allow it to evade enemy radar, making it highly effective in contested airspaces.

 

 

While the F-35 outshines the Tornado in many respects, it is designed to complement rather than replace other platforms like the Eurofighter. Recently, the Bundestag approved the upgrade of 15 Eurofighters for electronic warfare roles, ensuring a balanced and versatile fleet capable of addressing diverse operational demands.

The first German F-35s will be stationed in the United States from 2026, where pilots and technicians will begin comprehensive training at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. This preparation underscores Germany’s dedication to seamlessly integrating this fifth-generation fighter into its arsenal.

 

 

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