Germany Becomes Latest Country to Join the F-35 Lightning II Global Team
The German Ministry of Defense has announced the acquisition of 35 F-35 Lightning II aircraft from Lockheed Martin. This marks Germany as the ninth international participant in the F-35 program. The deal encompasses a package of engines, mission equipment, parts, technical support, training, and armament.
Lockheed Martin aims to enhance NATO interoperability, strengthening European defense. By the 2030s, over 550 F-35s are projected to operate in Europe. Currently, more than 875 F-35s are in service globally, with substantial pilot and maintainer training conducted.
- Germany's acquisition of 35 F-35s enhances Lockheed Martin's international sales and market presence.
- Strengthens NATO interoperability, potentially increasing future demand from other allied nations.
- Comprehensive support package enhances customer satisfaction and long-term relationships.
- None.
F-35 continues to be the choice of air forces across Europe
FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The German Ministry of Defense announced today it is procuring 35 Lockheed Martin 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft.
"Congratulations to Germany on procuring the F-35A. Germany is the ninth foreign military sales country to join the program," said Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, F-35 Program Executive Officer. "We look forward to working with them to deliver the F-35 Air System to meet their national defense requirements."
The agreement includes a comprehensive package of engines, role-specific mission equipment, spare and replacement parts, technical and logistic support, training and armament.
"It is an honor to formally welcome Germany to the F-35 Lightning II Program. Germany's participation ensures the F-35's European alliance continues to strengthen and grow through interoperability with NATO and ally nations," said Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin's vice president and general manager of the F-35 program. "The F-35 is the most advanced, survivable, best value fighter giving pilots the critical advantage against any adversary, enabling them to execute their mission and safely return home."
Lockheed Martin has been a committed partner to the Bundeswehr for more than 50 years, and the F-35 opens another chapter of supporting Germany's interests for national and European security. By the 2030s, it is expected that over 550 F-35s will work together from more than 10 European countries, including two full U.S. F-35 squadrons at RAF Lakenheath.
As a cornerstone for interoperability with NATO, the F-35 is the only 5th Generation fighter available today to strengthen Germany's operational capability with allies. Connectivity has become increasingly more important as the battlespace continues to evolve, and the F-35 is positioned to play a critical role in that change and contribute to 21st Century Security missions.
To date, the F-35 operates from 26 bases worldwide, with nine nations operating F-35s on their home soil. There are more than 875 F-35s in service today, with more than 1,845 pilots and 13,350 maintainers trained on the aircraft.
For additional information, visit www.f35.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
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