The clarification comes amid broader European debate over transatlantic defence ties, particularly in response to potential policy shifts under a future Trump administration. Pistorius stressed that Germany values its alliance with the United States not only in relation to the F-35 programme but across a wide range of military projects and cooperation frameworks.
Germany has ordered 35 F-35A aircraft through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, with the government-to-government agreement (Letter of Offer and Acceptance) approved on 14 December 2022. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026, initially to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in the United States for pilot and crew training.
From 2027, the first aircraft are scheduled to be stationed in Germany at Büchel Air Base. The jets will play a central role in NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangement, replacing the ageing Panavia Tornado IDS fleet currently assigned to carry US-supplied B61 nuclear bombs.
Pistorius also responded to media speculation that the US could remotely disable the F-35, calling such concerns unfounded. A Defence Ministry spokesperson confirmed that there is “no way to simply shut down the F-35 remotely,” while acknowledging that such integrated systems include logistical and digital interdependencies.
The ministry denied reports of a crisis meeting regarding the aircraft, reiterating that the F-35 programme is a collaborative multinational effort involving eight countries, including five in Europe. In total, 14 NATO members and 20 countries worldwide either operate or plan to acquire the aircraft.
Pistorius highlighted the F-35 programme as an example of successful transatlantic industrial cooperation. He noted that several components of the jet are produced outside the United States, reflecting the project’s global production and supply chain.
While Germany has reaffirmed its F-35 plans, other countries are still evaluating their future fighter requirements. In Portugal, the government is currently assessing options to replace its fleet of F-16AM/BM fighters, with the defence minister indicating that an open tender may be considered rather than a direct purchase of the F-35.
Source: tagesschau.
