Germany is poised to significantly expand its air combat capabilities with a supplementary order of 15 F-35A fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, a move revealed in a confidential document prepared for the Bundestag and reported by Spiegel. The acquisition, estimated to cost €2.5 billion, signals a deepening commitment to bolstering Germany’s military posture amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.
The forthcoming order supplements an existing agreement for 35 F-35s, the first of which are slated for delivery to the Luftwaffe in 2027. While German defense officials portray the acquisition as essential for fulfilling NATO commitments and maintaining air superiority, critics are questioning the rationale behind prioritizing American-made weaponry over European alternatives.
The decision, seemingly driven by an intensified focus on defense and deterrence plans solidified at the recent NATO summit in Den Haag, forms part of a broader military upgrade. This includes a recent order for 20 additional Eurofighter combat jets, designed to bolster the Luftwaffe’s capabilities.
However, the reliance on American-made equipment has drawn scrutiny. Concerns are being raised regarding potential dependencies on US supply chains and the potential limitations on Germany’s autonomy in defense policy. While the increased F-35 fleet is presented as critical to meeting NATO requirements, political analysts suggest the heavy investment raises fundamental questions regarding the balance between national defense needs and strategic alignment with the United States. The decision also sparks renewed debate about fostering a more integrated European defense industry capable of providing Germany with alternatives to exclusively sourcing advanced military hardware from abroad.