At a ceremony at the Fort Verte factory in Texas, Lockheed Martin delivered the first F-35A Lightning II to the German government, according to the company’s statement.
Read more Marinated tomatoes according to the 3–9–10 formula with oil: a classic that never disappoints
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who attended the event, praised the aircraft as “the most advanced combat aircraft in the world” and said the delivery marks “the beginning of a new era for the German military air forces,” the statement said.
Germany ordered 35 fighters under a 2022 contract – when Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine – aiming to replace Berlin’s aging Tornado aircraft fleet.
The F-35 features a special shape and low observability coating, making it very difficult to detect by radar.
Read more Denmark: binding agreement with the US on Greenland strengthens security
Washington has used these fighters in combat against Iran, and Lockheed Martin states that more than 1,350 F-35s are currently in operation worldwide.
The administration of US President Donald Trump long pressured Europe to spend more on defense so Washington could focus on other challenges, such as countering China’s influence.
As a result, European countries, including Germany, are increasing military budgets, agreeing in 2025 to allocate five percent of GDP to security-related expenditures by 2035, as demanded by D. Trump.
Read more Pentagon has released more documents about UFOs, including documents about a secret military program
