Move raises questions about future of Europe’s next-generation Franco-German fighter project. Germany will purchase American-made F-35 fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons in its first major defence deal since Berlin’s landmark decision to inject €100bn into the country’s armed forces. Christine Lambrecht, German defence minister, said the F-35s, made by America’s Lockheed Martin, would replace some of the country’s ageing Tornado aircraft that have been flying since the 1980s. Germany will also upgrade its Eurofighter Typhoon jets for electronic warfare, she said. The decision to go with the F-35 comes two weeks after the country launched a €100bn military modernisation fund and announced plans to reach a target of 2 per cent of its gross domestic product going on military spending by 2024 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
via ft: Germany to buy US F-35 jets in first big deal since defence budget boost
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Von U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen – <a rel=”nofollow” class=”external free” href=”http://www.dvidshub.net/image/935698/aerial-refueling-f-35-lightning-ii-joint-strike-fighters-eglin-afb-fla#.UZyEMrVU8QY”>http://www.dvidshub.net/image/935698/aerial-refueling-f-35-lightning-ii-joint-strike-fighters-eglin-afb-fla#.UZyEMrVU8QY</a>, Gemeinfrei, Link