Debrief: Germany’s F-35 Journey Comes Full Circle

Germany's F-35 programme has reached the first-aircraft flight milestone after decades in which Berlin alternately favored European combat-aircraft solutions and resisted acquiring the US stealth fighter. The 35-aircraft purchase ultimately reflects the urgent need to replace Tornado for NATO nuclear sharing, while also providing modern sensing, data fusion and coalition interoperability; initial German jets will support training in the United States before moving to Büchel. The milestone closes the procurement debate but not the delivery challenge, which still includes infrastructure, certification, weapons integration, pilot conversion and long-term sustainment.