The first fifth-generation F-35 fighter for the German Air Force has taken off in the United States. This provides a good opportunity to look at how long it takes to reach this milestone for aircraft that will serve as nuclear weapons carriers and be tasked with countering russia's Su-57s.
Lockheed Martin published a video of the first flight of the U.S.-built aircraft. It shows that the jet has the same gray livery used for F-35s operated by other countries, but carries Luftwaffe markings. The aircraft is designated MG-01 and bears the German military serial number 35+01.
Read more: Why Germany Delayed Purchase of 900-km JASSM-ER Missiles for F-35 Fighters Due to War Against Ukraine
Germany ordered 35 F-35As in December 2022 to replace its Panavia Tornado fleet and maintain its critical role in NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangements. This includes the ability to carry U.S. nuclear bombs. The German government says the F-35 acquisition is intended to preserve Germany’s nuclear-sharing role within NATO.
This means the first aircraft under the contract took to the skies less than four years after the order was placed, or roughly three years and nine months later. Its final assembly began in early 2026 and reached the finishing stage in August, when the aircraft left the assembly area and entered the final phase of preparations for its first flight.
However, MG-01 will not join the Luftwaffe after completing its test program. It will remain in the United States, along with the next seven aircraft, to support the training of German pilots and maintenance personnel at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. Only after the training program progresses will the aircraft intended for operational service be delivered to Germany.
The first F-35s are expected to arrive in Germany in the third quarter of 2027, roughly a year from now. This will be followed by a period of familiarization and the gradual development of initial operational capabilities. Germany currently plans to achieve initial operational capability with the F-35 in 2029.
Beyond its nuclear role, the U.S.-built fifth-generation fighters will also perform conventional missions as part of the Luftwaffe. These will include suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses, as well as long-range strike missions. Germany is acquiring JSM missiles for this purpose, while it has so far not proceeded with the procurement of JASSM-ER. The F-35 will also provide Germany with a highly capable fighter platform for countering russian Su-57s.
The F-35 is not the only new combat aircraft entering German service. Recently, a fourth-generation-plus Eurofighter Typhoon in the new Tranche 4 configuration also took to the skies for the German Air Force.
However, Germany is facing major problems with its plans for a sixth-generation fighter. Berlin has fallen out with France over the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), effectively ending the joint development effort and forcing Germany to look for alternative options and new partners. Recent reporting describes the collapse of the program as the result of years of disagreements between the two countries.
Read more: F-35 Price Rises Again Despite 15 Years of Mass Production, 1,350+ Built, Yet at $92M Per Jet for U.S., It's Still Cheaper Than Ukraine's Gripen E Deal
