{"id":12826,"date":"2022-12-16T07:46:23","date_gmt":"2022-12-16T05:46:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=12826"},"modified":"2022-12-17T03:44:41","modified_gmt":"2022-12-17T01:44:41","slug":"germany-officially-joins-f-35-program-after-signing-8-billion-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/germany-officially-joins-f-35-program-after-signing-8-billion-deal\/","title":{"rendered":"Germany officially joins F-35 program after signing $8 billion deal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Germany has officially joined the multinational F-35 Lightning II program after the country signed a letter of offer and acceptance on December 14, 2022. Germany is the ninth country to join the program.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Germany\u2019s budgetary committee approved funding for 35 of the fifth-generation jets at a cost of $8.8 billion (\u20ac8.4 billion). The agreement includes a comprehensive package of engines, armament, role-specific mission equipment, spare and replacement parts, technical and logistic support, and training. The F-35 fighter jet acquisition is part of Germany\u2032s military procurement projects worth 13 billion euros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Germany<\/span><\/a> is set to receive the first batch of its F-35 fighter jets in 2026 to build up more advanced air-defense capabilities and replace the portion of its aging Tornados set to retire in 2030. The German air force has been flying the Tornado since the 1980s and plans to phase it out between 2025 and 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The procurement will see a handover in tranches, with 10 F-35 deliveries in 2027, the same number in 2028, and a final batch of seven by 2029, according to German lawmakers. The first eight aircraft will be stationed in the U.S. for pilot training and ground crew training which is slated to begin in 2026 in the United States. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sailors taxi an F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the \u201cArgonauts\u201d of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), on Jan. 22, 2022. (Image Credit: U.S. Navy)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

German Air Force Chief Ingo Gerhartz called the decision to order the F-35 \u201chistoric\u201d and said that the package includes parts and ammunition as well as the aircraft. \u201cThe F-35 is the most modern combat aircraft in the world, and many of our European partners have also opted for this aircraft. It strengthens our ability to secure NATO airspace and defend the alliance together with them. Together with the further development of the Eurofighter for electronic combat, we are taking an important step to prepare the Luftwaffe and thus the German armed forces for the future\u201d he said in a statement<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gerhartz also emphasized the importance of a united approach in Europe, saying \u201cThere is only one answer to Putin’s aggression: unity in NATO and credible deterrence. That is precisely why the decision for the F-35 is without alternative.\u201d Today, there are approximately 120 F-35s in Europe across six countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, F-35 Program Executive Officer congratulated Germany on procuring the F-35A. \u201cWe look forward to working with them to deliver the F-35 Air System to meet their national defense requirements<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is an honor to formally welcome Germany to the F-35 Lightning II Program. Germany\u2019s participation ensures the F-35\u2019s European alliance continues to strengthen and grow through interoperability with NATO and ally nations.\u201d said Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin<\/span>\u2019s vice president and general manager of the F-35 program<\/span><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wunderbar! Germany Signed on the Dotted Line \u270d\ufe0f

The German Federal Ministry of Defence and @Team_Luftwaffe<\/a> officially selected the F-35. This decision provides the nation with the capabilities to meet worldwide threats. We\u2019re honored to grow our partnership with Germany.<\/p>— F-35 Lightning II (@thef35) December 14, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote>