Germany’s F-35s are a good sign in a worrying world

Germany’s move toward receiving its first F-35s leaves me with mixed feelings. I see a country taking its defense responsibilities more seriously. I also see how much insecurity now shapes the choices Europe considers necessary.

The timeline matters. The defense ministry’s published plan provides for aircraft handovers in the United States from 2026, with flight infrastructure at Büchel available from 2027. Lockheed Martin’s March 2026 update said the first German aircraft had reached final assembly and that the first eight would go to Arkansas for pilot training. This is a transition under way, rather than evidence that an operational German F-35 fleet has already arrived in Germany. (German defense ministry, manufacturer’s production update)

There is a straightforward case in favor. Germany’s planned 35 F-35As will help replace capabilities currently provided by the Tornado, including Germany’s role in NATO nuclear sharing. The program also includes conventional combat roles. A country cannot credibly promise to contribute to collective defense while indefinitely postponing the equipment needed to do so. (German defense ministry)

For Germany, I see this as an opportunity to turn a political commitment into usable capacity. For Europe, a more capable German air force could strengthen collective defense and give neighboring countries greater confidence that the burden is being shared. That benefit depends on trained personnel, maintenance, infrastructure, and readiness. Buying an aircraft starts a responsibility that lasts for decades.

My concern is about what kind of strength Europe is building. Acquiring an American aircraft can improve military capability while keeping an important part of that capability tied to an American-led program. I see a tension between Europe’s ambition to act more independently and its reliance on external suppliers for major defense systems. That does not make the purchase a mistake, but it makes European industrial capacity a question we cannot postpone indefinitely.

The wider signal is equally mixed. More credible defense may discourage aggression. Yet the urgency of rearmament also reflects how little confidence states have that political agreements alone will protect them. I can support the practical response without feeling optimistic about the conditions producing it.

I want Germany to be capable of defending itself and contributing to Europe’s security. I also want military investment to sit alongside diplomacy, democratic oversight, and a serious discussion of long-term costs and dependence.

The F-35s could make Germany better prepared for the world it faces. Whether that world is becoming safer is a different question, and the aircraft alone cannot answer it.