Lockheed Martin begins production of Germany’s first F-35 fighter jet

The event was attended by notable figures, including General Ingo Gerhartz, the Inspector of the Luftwaffe, and a representative from Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). General Gerhartz described the development as another step in the implementation of the F-35A programme for the Federal Republic of Germany.

🇩🇪#F35 Milestone achieved! Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz, Inspector of @Team_Luftwaffe has signed the bulkhead for the first German F-35 at Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, GA plant🇺🇸 A major step forward as Germany strengthens its defense capabilities with this 5th-gen fighter! pic.twitter.com/R3rVCVueHW

— Lockheed Martin Europe (@LMEuropeNews) December 6, 2024

Germany’s acquisition of the F-35A is part of a broader effort to replace its ageing Panavia Tornado fleet, which currently supports NATO’s Nuclear Sharing programme. Under this initiative, the F-35A will be configured to carry and, if necessary, deploy US-supplied B61 nuclear bombs. The updated fleet is expected to enhance Germany’s ability to fulfil its NATO obligations.

The procurement of 35 F-35A jets was finalised through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, with a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) signed in December 2022. The first deliveries are anticipated in 2026, with training operations initially taking place at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in the United States. By 2027, the aircraft will be stationed at Büchel Air Base in Germany.

Globally, the F-35 programme continues to gain momentum. Lockheed Martin has delivered over 1,080 F-35 aircraft to various nations, amassing a total of 950,000 flight hours across all configurations.