Germany reaffirms commitment to F‑35 jets amid NATO role concerns

• Germany has assured that it is not abandoning the purchase of F-35A aircraft for the Bundeswehr from the USA. This move ensures continued participation in NATO's nuclear deterrence programme.
• Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the F-35 is an international project, with significant parts produced outside the USA, which strengthens industrial cooperation.
• The German Ministry of Defence also denied reports about the possibility of remotely disabling the F-35 by the USA.

For some time, German media have been intensely debating the possibility of abandoning the purchase of American F-35 aircraft. These discussions intensified after the United States temporarily halted support for Ukraine. Consequently, there were concerns that the USA might decide to ground the F-35 if they believed their allies were acting contrary to Washington's expectations.

To dispel these doubts and reassure American partners, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius declared that Germany intends to continue purchasing F-35 aircraft from the United States.

"The United States is and will remain an important ally for us - also in terms of equipping the Bundeswehr," said Pistorius, in an interview with the dpa agency.

The F-35 project is international, with its parts also produced outside the USA. In Germany, for example, the company Rheinmetall participates in production.

Purchasing the F-35 allows Germany to continue participating in NATO's nuclear deterrence programme.

"This is only possible through the use of combat aircraft certified for this purpose by the US government. Only the F-35 can fill the gap that will arise at the end of the decade when the Tornados reach their age limit," explained Pistorius.

The German Ministry of Defence also denied reports about the possibility of remotely disabling the F-35 by the USA.

"There is no possibility of remotely disabling the F-35," said a ministry spokesperson, dispelling concerns about excessive dependence on American technology.

Germany purchased 35 F-35A aircraft, which will replace the currently used Tornados by 2027.

Approximately 20 B61-12 atomic bombs are stored at the German-American base in Büchel, which - as noted by the Polish Press Agency - underscores the significance of American support in nuclear deterrence.

Source: PAP/Defence Portal/WP