Last week, the German Ministry of Defense officially announced their intent to purchase the F-35 Lightning II to elevate their armed forces and replace its aging Tornado jets. German officials explained that the Russian invasion of Ukraine put a spotlight on Germany’s need now for sophisticated and interoperable air power that is a credible deterrent. This intent is also driven by the need to cooperate more closely with NATO allies that currently operate and plan to purchase the F-35.  

Germany emphasized its need for a nuclear capable aircraft to bolster their defense. The F-35 will meet the German requirement for an aircraft that can deliver U.S.-owned nuclear gravity bombs under a long-standing NATO agreement. 

The F-35 commitment is a sign of U.S. - German partnership during monumental events playing out on the world stage. Germany to buy F-35 warplanes for nuclear deterrence (defensenews.com)