Germany Considers F-35 Purchases After Ending Next-Generation Fighter Program
German defense officials outlined options for replacing a canceled multinational fighter jet effort. One path includes ordering more F-35 aircraft from the United States.
gamereactor.euGerman defense officials will reconsider plans for a next-generation fighter jet after the French-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System program ended. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius presented three options on Tuesday and referenced a fourth path without providing details.
One option involves purchasing additional F-35 jets from the United States beyond the 35 aircraft already ordered. Pistorius said the additional jets could serve as a bridge solution. A second option would see Germany join an existing international fighter program that includes sixth-generation capabilities.
The third option would involve Germany launching its own program under German leadership with Airbus and other partners.
Pistorius attributed the program's termination to unresolved differences with French industry over intellectual property and differing military requirements. Government leaders from France and Germany were unable to force cooperation between the companies involved. "Knowing what we know today, we wouldn't set up a program in this way again," Pistorius said.
