Germany’s first F-35A steps out as Lockheed eyes local partnerships

Additional German participation in F-35 manufacturing, sustainment, training and research is being explored as the country's first F-35A Lightning II is presented to the German government.

Lockheed Martin is actively exploring additional industrial participation opportunities that will enable partnerships across German industry and create jobs in 5th Generation fighter aircraft manufacturing, sustainment, training, research and development.

The move comes as Germany's first F-35A Lightning II was presented to the German government during a ceremony at Lockheed Martin's F-35 production facility, attended by senior government and military leaders from Germany and the United States alongside employees and industry partners.

German industry has contributed to the F-35 programme since its inception in 2001 and will continue to play a vital role in the F-35 enterprise as it meets growing worldwide demand, alongside the significant role European industry has in the global supply chain. The F-35 has been selected by 20 nations, including 13 in Europe.

“As Germany prepares to take ownership of its first F-35A, we are proud to build on more than 50 years of partnership,” says OJ Sanchez, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

Germany's programme of record calls for 35 F-35As. The first eight aircraft will be delivered to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas for pilot training beginning this autumn. The first German F-35s will arrive in-country in late 2027, with full operational capability to be reached by 2029.