Germany's First F-35 Stealth Fighter Rolls Out in Texas

German and US officials marked the rollout of Germany's first F-35A stealth fighter at a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas. The event was framed by both nations as a concrete sign of close defense alignment and a strengthened transatlantic partnership.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called the jet "living proof" of the health of the transatlantic relationship. He described it as an "important step towards further strengthening collective deterrence and defense."

A Shift in German Defense Policy

For years, it seemed unlikely Germany would ever acquire the F-35. That position changed decisively following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, Berlin signed an $8.8 billion deal to purchase 35 of the fifth-generation stealth fighters. There is now reportedly talk of a follow-on order, especially after the collapse this year of the Franco-German-Spanish sixth-generation FCAS program.

US official Dan Zimmerman, performing the duties of deputy undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment, praised Germany as a model ally. He said the F-35 procurement reinforces a shared vision for defense in Europe.

Deployment and Training Timeline

According to a Lockheed Martin statement, the first eight German F-35 aircraft will head to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas this fall. Their purpose is to start pilot training for the Luftwaffe. The first German F-35s are scheduled to arrive in Germany itself in late 2027.

OJ Sanchez, president of Lockheed Martin's aeronautics division, highlighted the long-term partnership. He said the company is building on more than 50 years of cooperation to deliver a capability that will support the German air force for decades.

Reinforcing the US-German Alliance

The fighter rollout occurred just days after Defense Minister Pistorius visited the Pentagon. He met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Despite acknowledged political tensions between Washington and Berlin, both leaders stressed that military ties remain robust.

During that visit, the two defense chiefs signed a Statement of Intent. The Pentagon stated the document aims to significantly intensify defense-industrial collaboration between the two countries. Pistorius, looking at the new F-35, called it a promise that Germany will step up to defend itself and its allies.