Bundestag approves purchase of F-35 fighter jets from US

Reuters reported this with reference to the statement of German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht. 

It is noted that the budget committee of the German parliament approved the purchase of F-35 fighters produced by the American defense giant Lockheed Martin for EUR 10 billion. 

Germany plans to purchase a total of 35 F-35 fighters, including missiles, other weapons and equipment. The first eight aircraft will be delivered in 2026.

The American warplane will replace the only German Tornado jet capable of carrying American nuclear bombs stored in Germany for use in the event of a conflict.

This is one of the first major defense projects where Berlin will receive money from a special fund.

In February, Olaf Scholz said that the Bundeswehr should receive EUR 100 billion for investments and weapons projects from the federal budget through a special fund created after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to the German Defense Minister, these funds are not enough.

“This will probably not be enough to close the gaps that have arisen in recent years because we have neglected procurement,” she added.