Germany intends to purchase from the American company Lockheed Martin another fifth generation F-35, thus increasing the size of its future air group from 35 to 50 aircraft. This was reported by Politico with reference to sources.
As noted in the publication, the planned transaction attracted attention against the background of the fact that NATO recently agreed on new goals for the number of troops and the level of weapons, and the adjustment of national defense plans is discussed.
, in the framework of the previously adopted program for the modernization of the Armed Forces of 100 billion euros, the German government has already ordered 35 F-35 fighters from Lockheed Martin.
It is planned that the new F-35 will replace the outdated Tornado fighters, which have been in service with the German Air Force since 1980 and have been the only German aircraft that can carry American nuclear weapons.
In the meantime, the European press intensifies attention to the growing disagreements between Germany and France on the project of creating the next generation FCAS (Future Combat Air System).
According to reports, France claims to be 80% of participation in the production distribution as part of a joint project.