{"id":158210,"date":"2026-09-21T16:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T10:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=158210"},"modified":"2026-09-21T14:35:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T09:05:08","slug":"germany-takes-delivery-of-first-f-35","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/21\/germany-takes-delivery-of-first-f-35\/","title":{"rendered":"Germany Takes Delivery of 1st F-35 Fighter Jet in the US"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

FORT WORTH-<\/strong> Lockheed Martin<\/a> has presented Germany with its first F-35A Lightning II during a ceremony at the company\u2019s F-35 production facility. German and U.S. government and military officials attended the event, marking a major step in Germany\u2019s F-35 acquisition program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Germany is preparing to introduce the F-35A into Luftwaffe service, with the first eight aircraft scheduled to go to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas for pilot training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Germany
Photo: Lockheed Martin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Germany Begins Its F-35A Transition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Germany\u2019s first F-35A represents the start of a new phase in the country\u2019s combat aircraft modernization program. The German program of record calls for 35 F-35A aircraft<\/a><\/strong>, with deliveries planned in stages before the type enters operational service in Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the F-35A will provide new capabilities through its stealth characteristics, sensor technology and integration with other platforms. He also said the first fighter jets will be delivered this year, with full operational capability planned for 2029.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft will replace some of the capabilities currently provided by Germany\u2019s aging Tornado fleet. The F-35A will also support Germany\u2019s role in NATO through a common fifth-generation fighter platform operated by numerous allied countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lieutenant General Holger Neumann, Chief of the German Air and Space Force, said the F-35A will affect not only the service\u2019s aircraft fleet but also its approach to command, operations and international cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Today, Germany\u2019s first F-35 took center stage at its official rollout ceremony. \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea

A defining milestone bringing 5th Gen capability to the Luftwaffe to strengthen deterrence, interoperability with NATO allies and security for decades to come. pic.twitter.com\/o3GS0h7dAp<\/a><\/p>— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) September 18, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>