Germany receives first F-35A, beginning €10 billion shift to stealth airpower for NATO deterrence and nuclear-sharing role

Germany has received its first F-35A, marking the opening delivery of a programme valued at approximately €10 billion that will replace the Tornado in NATO's nuclear-sharing mission. The aircraft's arrival begins a generational transition in Luftwaffe strike capability, as the F-35A is designated to carry US B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs under NATO burden-sharing arrangements. The delivery establishes Germany as the latest European ally to field fifth-generation stealth airpower and represents a landmark shift in the Alliance's European deterrence posture.