Germany to buy up to 35 Lockheed F-35 fighter jets, say sources

[BERLIN] Germany will purchase F-35 fighter jets built by US firm Lockheed Martin to replace its ageing Tornado aircraft, said two government sources, one of whom added that Berlin aims to buy up to 35 of the stealth jets.

A German defence source told Reuters early last month that Germany was leaning toward purchasing the F-35, but that a final decision had not been taken.

The Tornado is the only German jet capable of carrying US nuclear bombs, stored in Germany, in case of a conflict.

But the air force has been flying the jet since the 80s, and Berlin is planning to phase it out between 2025 and 2030.

The F-35 buy will be a blow for Boeing, whose F-18 was favoured by former German defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to replace the Tornado.

The decision could also upset France. Paris has watched Germany's deliberations over the F-18 or more advanced F-35, concerned a deal could undermine the development of a joint Franco-German fighter jet that is supposed to be ready in the 2040s.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz two weeks ago backed the ongoing joint programme with Paris. At the time, he also announced that the Eurofighter jet, built by Franco-German Airbus, would be developed further to be capable of electronic warfare, a role the Tornado also fulfils.

REUTERS