New York/Fort Worth (dpa) – Stealth capabilities and digital connectivity: US defence company Lockheed Martin is handing over the first F-35 fighter jet ordered by Germany in Fort Worth, Texas. “A new era begins for the German air force today: the new F-35A is the most advanced combat aircraft in the world,” said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in the USA.
Its key features included its stealth capabilities, close integration with other platforms and particularly powerful sensor systems, said the minister. “The F-35A is able to collect large volumes of data and rapidly combine them to create a comprehensive picture of the situation,” Pistorius stated, adding that the cooperation with 19 other countries offered wide-ranging opportunities for training, exercises and operations “and makes us stronger together”. German company Rheinmetall is also involved in production.
The Federal Government plans to buy 35 of the aircraft for ten billion euros. They are due to be delivered by 2029. The aircraft are to replace the ageing Tornado fleet and will play an important role in deterrence. This is because they are being purchased primarily for Germany’s role in nuclear sharing – a NATO deterrence concept under which allies have access to US nuclear weapons.
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