Berlin Considers Expanding Stealth Fighter Fleet To Over 70 Aircraft

Germany is considering a follow-on purchase of more than 35 additional F-35 stealth fighters, which would take its planned fleet to over 70 aircraft. The potential acquisition comes as the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) remains mired in disputes over the core sixth-generation fighter. Germany’s decision to opt for the F-35A was driven by its participation in NATO’s nuclear-sharing mission, which requires aircraft certified to carry US B61 nuclear gravity bombs. The development was reported by AeroTime.