Germany seeking more F-35 jets as European fighter programme falters, sources say

BERLIN/WASHINGTON – Germany is considering ordering more US-made F-35 fighter jets, two sources told Reuters, a move that would deepen Berlin’s reliance on American military technology as its joint next-generation fighter programme with France falters.

One source said Berlin was in negotiations that could lead to the purchase of more than 35 additional jets. Germany purchased 35 of the aircraft in 2022, which are due to begin delivery later in 2026.

The potential acquisition of more Lockheed Martin stealth fighters, at a cost of more than US$80 million (S$101.4 million) per plane, would follow pressure from Washington on European allies to increase defence spending.

If all the potential F-35 purchases and existing orders come to fruition, Germany would have around 85 F-35s. But the sources cautioned the outcome was still uncertain.

Germany’s Defence Ministry did not immediately comment, while a Pentagon spokesperson referred questions to Germany. A spokesperson for defence contractor Lockheed Martin said the company was focused on building F-35s already ordered by Germany.

In October, a German parliamentary source said the Defence Minister intended to order 15 more F-35s. Germany was expected to announce that purchase in the near term, the second source said.

Expansion of Germany’s F-35 fleet would mark a significant strategic shift towards deeper military integration with the US and away from European defence autonomy, a priority for fellow European Union member France.

Germany and France are deadlocked on their Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme, a problem-plagued, €100 billion (S$149 billion) effort launched in 2017 to build a next-generation aircraft to replace French, and German and Spanish jets starting in 2040. Under the emerging scenario, Germany and France would abandon the FCAS project.

A commitment by Germany to add F-35s to its arsenal would also have implications for NATO, as the jet plays a key role in the alliance’s nuclear strategy.

Buying more F-35 jets would give Germany time to figure out developing and finding a partner for a jet project.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Feb 18 questioned whether developing a manned sixth-generation fighter jet, as FCAS has sought to do, still made sense for his country’s air force.

“Will we still need a manned fighter jet in 20 years’ time? Do we still need it, given that we will have to develop it at great expense?” Mr Merz said on Machtwechsel podcast, published on Feb 18.

Berlin’s 2022 decision to buy the US-made F-35 was driven by its NATO obligation to deliver US nuclear bombs stored in Germany if called upon. The F-35 is the only Western fighter jet certified to carry the most modern B61 nuclear bombs and is central to replacing Germany’s ageing Tornado jets, which play that role now.

While insiders expect Germany and France to abandon a joint fighter jet, they anticipate the allies will continue to cooperate on drones and digital warfare infrastructure.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said last week the fate of FCAS would become clear within days. REUTERS