Germany and Lockheed Martin have marked the rollout of Germany’s first F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft. The aircraft was presented to the German government during a ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 18, 2026.
The event brings Germany closer to operating the F-35A, a fifth-generation fighter built with stealth features, advanced sensors and networked systems. Germany plans to receive its first aircraft in the country in late 2027, with full operational capability planned for 2029.
Lockheed Martin presented the first German F-35A during a ceremony attended by German and U.S. government and military officials. The rollout marks the next stage of Germany’s program to introduce the aircraft into its Air Force.
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Germany’s program calls for 35 F-35A aircraft. The first eight will initially go to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas for pilot training beginning this fall.
The F-35A was developed by Lockheed Martin as part of the wider F-35 Lightning II program. The aircraft is supported by a large international industrial network involving companies from the United States and partner countries.
German industry has been involved in the F-35 program since 2001. Lockheed Martin said it is continuing to explore opportunities for German companies to participate in manufacturing, maintenance, training and research activities.
Germany is replacing aging fighter aircraft and is also seeking closer integration with allied air forces. A common fighter platform can help participating countries use shared standards, training methods and operational procedures.
The F-35 is designed to connect information from its sensors and other sources. This allows pilots and allied forces to build a broader picture of activity around them and share information with connected systems.
The F-35A combines stealth features with advanced sensors, communications and onboard computing. Stealth technology is designed to make the aircraft harder for radar systems to detect and track.
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Its sensor systems collect information from the surrounding environment and combine it into a single operational picture for the pilot. The aircraft can also exchange information with other platforms and allied forces through networked systems.
Germany’s F-35 program is expected to connect the Luftwaffe more closely with the international F-35 community. The aircraft is operated by multiple countries, including several European NATO members.
According to Lockheed Martin, more than 1,355 F-35 aircraft are currently operational worldwide. The fleet has accumulated more than 1 million flight hours and operates from 42 bases across the globe.
Germany will not receive all of its F-35A aircraft immediately. The first eight aircraft are scheduled for training in the United States, while the first German F-35s are expected to arrive in Germany in late 2027.
Full operational capability is planned for 2029, meaning Germany’s complete F-35 fleet and associated operational infrastructure will take several years to establish.
The rollout marks Germany’s entry into the F-35 operator community and adds another European country to the aircraft’s growing user base. It also supports Germany’s plans to improve interoperability with NATO partners.
The program will involve more than aircraft deliveries. Training, maintenance, infrastructure and industrial participation will also be required as Germany builds its F-35 capability over the coming years.
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