Build begins on first F-35 for Germany

A mock-up of an F-35A in Luftwaffe markings was showcased at the ILA Berlin Air Show in 2024. Work to build the first of 35 such aircraft for Germany has now begun at the Fort Worth production facility in Texas. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Lockheed Martin has begun building the first F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) for Germany.

German State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung: BMVg) Nils Hilmer signed the bulkhead of F-35A MG-01 at the Fort Worth production facility in Texas, marking the commencement of the manufacturing process for 35 aircraft for the Luftwaffe.

“In Dallas, [Texas], the German state secretary visited the Lockheed Martin plant and, in keeping with tradition, signed the first German production aircraft (MG-01) on the bulkhead,” the Bundeswehr said.

Germany ordered 35 F-35A aircraft in December 2022, in a EUR10 billion (USD11.5 billion) contract that included weapons and other related items. Intended to replace the Tornado in the NATO shared nuclear deterrence mission, the F-35A will also have conventional air-to-surface and air-to-air roles in Luftwaffe service.

With pilot and maintainer training to begin at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in the United States in 2026, the first F-35As will arrive at Büchel Air Base in Germany in the third quarter of 2027, with deliveries running through to 2029. Initial operating capability is scheduled for 2029, with full operating capability following in 2030.

Since the initial order for 35 aircraft was placed, there have been repeated reports quoting senior Luftwaffe leaders that additional F-35A aircraft will be acquired. However, the BMVg has consistently denied this.

For more information on Germany's F-35 programme, please see IFC 2025: Germany details Tornado capability transition to Eurofighter, F-35A .