Germany Expands F-35 Fleet Amid Defense Budget Boost

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius plans to order 15 additional F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, costing around 2.5 billion euros. This move, confirmed by a parliamentary source, contradicts previous denials and may strain Germany-France relations over the collaborative FCAS/SCAF fighter jet project.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is set to bolster the country's air force with an order for 15 more F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, according to a parliamentary source who spoke to Reuters. This decision supports a report published by Spiegel magazine.

The additional aircraft are projected to incur costs of approximately 2.5 billion euros, as detailed in documents prepared for parliament's budget committee. This purchase follows Germany's initial order of 35 of the advanced jets, which are intended to replace its older Tornado fleet earmarked for decommissioning.

The acquisition signals a strategic shift in Germany's defense posture, reflecting an expanded defense budget that provides for increased military procurement. However, the decision could heighten tensions with France, as both countries grapple with challenges surrounding their joint fighter jet initiative, FCAS or SCAF.

(With inputs from agencies.)