Germany Boosts Air Power: Orders 15 More Stealth F-35 Jets (Politico/Reuters)
Germany is doubling down on American stealth jets while its European fighter project with France hits turbulence, according to exclusive reports from Politico and Reuters.
✈️ Key Developments:
- Big Purchase: Germany plans to buy 15 extra F-35s (total fleet now 50)
- NATO Pressure: Military source tells Reuters this may just be the start – more jets likely needed
- France Feud: Comes as Paris demands 80% control of troubled FCAS joint fighter project
💥 Why This Matters:
✔️ Security Shift: Germany rapidly replacing 85 old Tornado jets amid Russia threats
✔️ Trans-Atlantic Ties: Strengthens U.S. defense partnership as EU projects struggle
✔️ Industry Battle: France-Germany fighter jet deal now “unlikely” to meet year-end deadline
🔍 Inside the Numbers (via Reuters):
- Current F-35 order: 35 jets ($8.4 billion)
- New planned order: +15 jets (~$3.6 billion)
- Total future fleet could exceed 50 as NATO expands targets
🇪🇺 EU Defense Drama:
⚠️ France wants 80% control of FCAS project (was 50-50)
⚠️ Germany exploring alternatives as delays continue
⚠️ “Differences remain” says German Chancellor Merz
📅 What’s Next?
- Final F-35 order expected by September
- Make-or-break talks on Franco-German jet in coming weeks
- NATO pushing all members to boost air defenses
(Source: Politico exclusive confirmed by Reuters defense sources)
💬 Your Take:
Smart move by Germany or betrayal of EU defense?
👉 Vote Below:
✅ More F-35s = Stronger NATO
❌ Wasted money – Should fix FCAS instead