Germany is reportedly considering an additional purchase of 15 F-35A Lightning II aircraft, on top of the 35 jets already on contract, according to parliamentary sources cited by international media. The potential package is estimated at around €2.5 billion, with the extra aircraft intended to bolster Luftwaffe capabilities and support NATO nuclear-sharing obligations as Tornado retirement approaches.
Berlin has not issued an official confirmation. On the contrary, subsequent reporting noted the defence ministry’s denial that a decision had been taken to buy more F-35s at this time. Until a government announcement or Bundestag budget-committee approval is published, the plan remains unconfirmed.
Public, official documents currently available from the Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (BMVg) and Bundeswehr/Luftwaffe confirm only the ongoing procurement of 35 F-35A via FMS to replace the Tornado and sustain nuclear-sharing — with no public update on any additional 15 aircraft.
For Central European industry, a follow-on German order — if confirmed — would have supply-chain and MRO implications, potentially expanding opportunities for regional subcontractors plugged into the F-35 ecosystem and influencing neighbouring procurement roadmaps. Any concrete impact, however, depends on formal approval and contract details yet to be disclosed.
Editor’s Note / Sources
Information in this article is based on credible but not yet officially confirmed reports.
Primary sources include:
Reuters – “Germany plans to order 15 more US-made F-35 jets, says source,” 20 Oct 2025.
Der Spiegel – “Bundeswehr erwägt den Kauf von weiteren 15 F-35-Kampfflugzeugen,” 21 Oct 2025.
Investing.com / Reuters – “Germany’s defense ministry denies plans to purchase more F-35 jets,” 21 Oct 2025.
Bundesministerium der Verteidigung – 19. Rüstungsbericht, published Sept 2025 (official record of 35 F-35 procurement).
Bundeswehr / Luftwaffe official site (“F-35A Lightning II beschafft für nukleare Teilhabe,” last update 2025).
As of 22 October 2025, no official government statement or contract confirms the acquisition of additional F-35 aircraft. ACE will update this article when official information becomes available.
By: Katerina Urbnová
Photo Credit: Bundeswehr
