Rüstungsprojekte: „Neue Ära“ für die Luftwaffe – Pistorius nimmt erste F-35 in Empfang

Fort Worth, Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius views the introduction of F-35 fighter jets in the Bundeswehr as a decisive strengthening of the deterrent against Russia. "The F-35 is the only fifth-generation fighter aircraft with stealth capabilities," Pistorius stated in Fort Worth, Texas, where the first of 35 ordered aircraft was presented.

It will be introduced as the "most capable fighter aircraft in the world." The German government is spending ten billion euros for this. "From now on, a new era begins for the Luftwaffe: the new F-35 A fighter jet is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world," he said. The cooperation with 19 other nations will open many opportunities for training, practice, and deployment "and makes us stronger together."

The aircraft is intended to replace the outdated Tornado fleet and then contribute an important part to the deterrence. It is primarily bought for Germany's so-called nuclear participation – a NATO deterrence concept where allies gain access to US nuclear bombs. Due to its special shape and external coating, the aircraft is difficult to detect by enemy radar.

The German Defense Ministry declares that the aircraft brings all the prerequisites for various mission roles, including combat against an enemy's air defense, precise attacks on ground and sea targets, and deep precision strikes far in the rear (Deep Precision Strike).