Germany receives first F-35 warplane at ceremony in US

Germany received its first F-35 stealth warplane on Friday at a ceremony in Texas, marking the start of a new era for the German Air Force, said defense minister Boris Pistorius. The aircraft, produced by US manufacturer Lockheed Martin, is the world's most advanced combat jet, boasting stealth capabilities, advanced sensor technology and seamless integration with other platforms, according to Pistorius.

Germany ordered 35 of these jets in a deal signed in 2022, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, to replace its aging fleet of Tornado aircraft. The F-35's low-observable design makes it extremely hard to detect on radar, and the United States has deployed these jets in combat against Iran. There are over 1,350 F-35s currently operating worldwide.

Washington has been urging European nations, including Germany, to increase defense spending to alleviate pressure on the US to focus on other global challenges, such as countering China. Germany has agreed to President Trump's demand for its military budget to make up 5% of its GDP by 2035.