Market Analysis

Germany is considering purchasing an additional eight F-35 fighter jets from U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin (NYSE), according to a military source cited by Reuters on Friday. This would be in addition to the 35 jets Germany has already ordered.

The source mentioned that Berlin is currently evaluating the costs associated with this potential acquisition. The F-35 is regarded as the most advanced fighter jet available, featuring stealth technology that makes it nearly undetectable by radar.

In 2022, Germany decided to procure 35 F-35s, along with missiles and other weapons, for approximately €10 billion ($10.89 billion). These jets are equipped with advanced sensors and other sophisticated technology.

The F-35s are intended to replace Germany's aging Tornado aircraft, which are the only jets in the German fleet capable of carrying U.S. nuclear bombs stored in Germany. The Tornado has been in service since the 1980s, and Germany plans to phase it out between 2025 and 2030.

Starting in 2027, the F-35s will be stationed at an air base near Buechel, a town in western Germany, and may also carry U.S. nuclear weapons. The initial delivery of eight F-35s is scheduled for 2026, with these aircraft to be based in the U.S. for pilot training purposes.

Paraphrasing text from "Reuters" all rights reserved by the original author.