TEXAS — Lockheed Martin’s first F-35A Lightning II built for Germany has completed its maiden flight, marking a major step toward the Luftwaffe’s introduction of the fifth-generation fighter.
The aircraft flew from the company’s production facility in Fort Worth after completing final assembly and finishing work ahead of its planned handover.
Germany is acquiring 35 F-35A aircraft to replace its ageing Tornado fleet and strengthen its NATO air capabilities.
The first aircraft are expected to support pilot and maintenance training in the United States before the F-35A begins arriving at Büchel Air Base in Germany.
First Flight Successfully Completed
The maiden flight follows the completion of final assembly at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant in August. The aircraft was then moved into Aircraft Final Finishes, where it received additional work before taking to the air.
The German F-35A carries the aircraft designation 35+01 and is the first of the 35 jets ordered by Berlin.
Its successful flight allows the program to move closer to the next stages of acceptance, delivery and operational preparation.
Germany selected the F-35A in 2022 and subsequently finalized its procurement agreement with the United States.
The acquisition package covers the aircraft as well as engines, mission equipment, weapons, spare parts, training and logistics support.
Luftwaffe Training Program Begins
The initial German F-35A aircraft will support training activities in the United States.
German pilots and maintenance personnel are scheduled to train alongside U.S. personnel at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, following a bilateral agreement to establish the training presence.
The training phase will help Luftwaffe crews build experience with the F-35A’s systems before the aircraft enter German service.
Earlier German planning indicated that eight of the 35 aircraft would remain in the United States for training purposes.
The F-35A will eventually operate from Büchel Air Base, where Germany is developing new infrastructure to support the aircraft. Construction includes facilities for maintenance, operations, security and other requirements associated with the new fighter fleet.
F-35 NATO Operational Role
The F-35A will give the Luftwaffe a fifth-generation combat aircraft featuring stealth characteristics, advanced sensors and networked communications.
These capabilities are designed to improve situational awareness and allow the aircraft to operate more effectively with allied forces.
Germany’s F-35 program also supports NATO interoperability and the country’s nuclear-sharing responsibilities. The aircraft is intended to replace the Tornado in these roles while expanding Germany’s ability to contribute to integrated NATO air missions.
Germany’s first F-35A is expected to arrive at Büchel in 2027, while the wider fleet is planned to reach initial operating capability in 2029 and full operating capability in 2030, Defence Industry Europe reported.
The introduction will represent a significant modernization of the Luftwaffe’s combat aircraft fleet as Germany transitions away from the Tornado.
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