Germany Considering Additional Purchase of 8 F-35 Jets.

Germany is reportedly considering acquiring more F-35 jets from the American manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The government is evaluating whether to strengthen the Bundeswehr with an additional batch of these advanced aircraft. The Ministry of Defense and the Luftwaffe (Air Force) have identified a need for these jets, and military circles suggest the purchase of eight to ten additional F-35s. These jets would complement the current fleet of 35 F-35s already ordered from the United States.
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Germany is reportedly considering acquiring 8 more F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin. (Picture source: German MoD)

The main consideration for this additional order is the availability of the F-35 jets stationed in Büchel. Sources indicate that while the 35 ordered jets are sufficient, about eight of these aircraft will remain in the United States for training purposes and therefore will not be available in Germany. Consequently, from the Luftwaffe's perspective, ordering more jets is considered practical. The cost for an additional tranche of eight jets is estimated to be around one billion euros.

The F-35 is recognized as the most advanced fighter jet in the world today. The Bundeswehr primarily acquired it for nuclear sharing, a strategy where the Luftwaffe would deploy US nuclear bombs stored in Büchel if necessary. Previously, this capability was fulfilled by Tornado jets, which are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. The first deliveries of the already-ordered F-35s are expected in 2026.

These considerations highlight that the Bundeswehr's modernization needs exceed the 100-billion-euro special fund allocated for the coming years, which is already fully committed. Consequently, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is currently negotiating an increase in the defense budget to cover these additional expenditures.

The F-35 Lightning II, designed by Lockheed Martin, is a multi-role aircraft currently in service with the US Navy. The F-35 had its first flight on June 11, 2008, with the F-35B model and was gradually put into service: the F-35A in 2015, the F-35B in 2016, and the F-35C in 2019. It represents a colossal investment of $406.5 billion, with total projected costs exceeding $1 trillion in 2016. The unit cost varies, with the F-35A estimated at $143.84 million in 2018, the F-35B at around $300 million in 2011, and costs fluctuating according to production lots, reaching as low as $77.9 million for the F-35A in the 14th lot.

As of January 1, 2024, approximately 1000 units had been produced. The F-35 derives from the Lockheed Martin X-35 and is powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, a turbofan with an afterburner providing a thrust of 178 kN. Its dimensions slightly vary depending on the model, with a wingspan of 10.40 m for the F-35A and F-35B, and 13.10 m for the F-35C. Its length is 15.85 m, a height of 5.28 m, and a wing area ranging from 42.7 m² for the F-35A and F-35B to 57.6 m² for the F-35C. The empty weight of the F-35A is 13,170 kg, 14,580 kg for the F-35B, and 14,550 kg for the F-35C, with a maximum weight of 25,600 kg.

In terms of performance, the F-35 can reach a maximum speed of 1,700 km/h (Mach 1.6+), with a ceiling of 18,500 m. The combat radius varies between models: 1,080 km for the F-35A, 869 km for the F-35B, and 1,138 km for the F-35C, with an endurance exceeding 2,800 km. It has a thrust-to-weight ratio greater than 1 and can support load factors of +9 G for the F-35A and +7 G for the F-35B and F-35C.

For armament, the F-35 is equipped with a GAU-22 25 mm cannon with 180 rounds (in an external pod for the F-35B), and has two weapon bays each accommodating two pylons for a total of 2,800 kg of internal armament. It also has 6 external pylons supporting up to 6,800 kg of armament. In terms of avionics, it features an AN/APG-81 radar and an AN/AAQ-37 IR sensor, offering advanced detection and targeting capabilities.

Other related developments include Chancellor Olaf Scholz's intention to order 20 additional Eurofighters and Rheinmetall's reported plans to collaborate with Lufthansa on the stealth bomber. These efforts collectively aim to upgrade Germany's military capabilities amidst growing security challenges.