Germany is looking to purchase a batch of US F-35 fighter planes to replace its outdated Tornado fleet, according to the German Defense Ministry.
The decision follows German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s announcement last month of a substantial increase in defense spending as the Ukraine war compels Berlin to rethink its foreign and defense policy.
Berlin is looking to replace the Tornados, which were debuted more than 40 years ago, with Lockheed Martin jets.
Scholz stated that, in view of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he will increase the nation’s investments above a critical NATO pledge of 2% of GDP.
The F-35 is widely regarded as the most advanced combat aircraft in the world. The jet’s distinctive design and exterior coating make it tough for enemy radar to identify.
For the time being, the Tornado is the only German jet capable of transporting US nuclear warheads stationed in Germany in the event of a confrontation.
The German air force, on the other hand, has been using such planes since the 1980s, and they are scheduled to be phased out between 2025 and 2030.
Chancellor Scholz announced an increase in military budget, saying the German army will receive €100 billion ($113 billion) for investments and weaponry programs.
Concerns have previously been raised that purchasing the F-35 may jeopardize cooperative ambitions with France to construct a combined European combat aircraft.
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