This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and journalists Sabine Siebold and Mike Stone.

Report: Germany Weighs Additional F-35 Order as European Fighter Program Stalls

Germany is reportedly in early-stage negotiations to acquire a second tranche of U.S.-made F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, a move that could signal a significant pivot in the nation’s long-term defense strategy. According to exclusive reporting by Reuters on February 19, 2026, sources familiar with the matter indicate that Berlin is considering the purchase of more than 35 additional jets as a hedge against the faltering Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program.

The potential acquisition comes at a critical moment for European defense cooperation. While the German government has officially denied the existence of concrete plans, the reports suggest growing frustration in Berlin regarding the progress of the joint Franco-German-Spanish FCAS initiative. If confirmed, a new order would deepen the Luftwaffe’s integration with U.S. military technology and potentially undermine France’s vision for European strategic autonomy.

Potential Expansion of the F-35 Fleet

According to the Reuters report, two sources confirmed that Germany is exploring an order that would match or exceed its initial purchase of 35 F-35A Military-Aircraft. In 2022, Berlin signed a contract valued at approximately $10 billion for its first fleet of Lightning IIs, which are intended to replace the aging Tornado fleet for NATO nuclear sharing missions. Those initial jets are scheduled for Delivery starting in 2026, with arrival in Germany expected by 2027.

The sources cited by Reuters suggest that the cost of the additional jets would likely exceed $80 million per airframe. This Investment would represent a multi-billion dollar commitment to American hardware at a time when European leaders have been pushing to bolster their own industrial base.

Official Denials

Despite the claims from insider sources, German officials have publicly rejected the notion of a new procurement deal. A government spokesperson stated there are “no plans” for a further order, and the Ministry of Defense echoed this, asserting that no political decisions have been made. Lockheed Martin, the Manufacturers of the F-35, declined to comment to Reuters, noting only their focus on delivering the aircraft currently under Contracts.

The FCAS Crisis

The primary driver behind this reported strategic shift appears to be the deadlock facing the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Launched in 2017, FCAS was designed to produce a next-generation fighter to replace French Rafales and German Eurofighters by 2040. However, the program has been plagued by industrial infighting between Dassault Aviation and Airbus, as well as deep strategic divergences between Paris and Berlin.

According to reporting by Reuters, the specific operational requirements of the two nations have become a major sticking point. France requires a carrier-capable aircraft that can support its independent nuclear deterrent, while Germany needs a land-based interceptor focused on NATO interoperability.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently highlighted these incompatibilities publicly. Regarding the divergent needs of the two nations, Merz warned:

“If we cannot resolve this, we will not be able to continue.”

, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (via Reuters)

AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Implications

If Germany proceeds with a second F-35 buy, it would likely be interpreted as a vote of no confidence in the FCAS timeline. The F-35 is currently the only aircraft certified to carry the B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs required for Germany’s NATO obligations. Doubling the fleet would secure Germany’s air power capabilities well into the 2060s, reducing the urgency, and perhaps the viability, of the European alternative.

From an industrial perspective, this move could destabilize the Franco-German defense axis. France has historically viewed the FCAS program not just as a procurement project, but as a pillar of European sovereignty. A German pivot toward off-the-shelf American jets would likely strain relations with Paris and could trigger retaliatory shifts in other joint programs, such as the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) tank project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of Germany’s F-35 program?
Germany ordered 35 F-35A jets in 2022 to replace its Tornado fleet. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026.

Why is the FCAS program delayed?
The program faces disputes over workshare between manufacturers (Dassault and Airbus) and conflicting operational requirements. France needs a carrier-based nuclear jet, while Germany requires a land-based aircraft.

Has Germany officially confirmed the new order?
No. The German government and Ministry of Defense have explicitly denied plans for a new order, stating no decision has been made.

Sources

• Reuters

This article is based on an official press release from BAE Systems.

BAE Systems reports record backlog and double-digit growth in 2025 results

BAE Systems announced its full-year financial results for 2025 this week, reporting a 10% increase in sales to £30.7 billion and a record order backlog of £83.6 billion. The company highlighted strong operational performance across all sectors, driven by a “new era of defence spending” and major export agreements.

According to the company’s statement, underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) rose by 12% to £3.32 billion, while underlying earnings per share (EPS) also increased by 12% to 75.2p. The Board recommended a final dividend of 22.8p, bringing the total dividend for 2025 to 36.3p, a 10% increase over the previous year.

In the official release, BAE Systems Group Chief Executive Officer Charles Woodburn commented on the results:

“Our results highlight another year of strong operational and financial performance, thanks to the outstanding dedication of our employees. In a new era of defence spending, driven by escalating security challenges, we’re well positioned to provide both the advanced conventional systems and disruptive technologies needed to protect the nations we serve now and into the future.”

Major program milestones and export wins

The company reported a strong orders intake of £36.8 billion for the year. A significant contributor was the UK Government’s agreement with Türkiye to acquire 20 Typhoon aircraft. BAE Systems stated this deal is anticipated to be worth £4.6 billion to the company and will help sustain Typhoon production and approximately 20,000 jobs across the UK.

In the maritime domain, Norway selected the Type 26 frigate for its future warship procurement program. The company noted that this £10 billion Government-to-Government agreement represents the UK’s largest-ever warship export deal by value. Additionally, the company laid the keel for HMS Dreadnought, the first of four new nuclear-deterrent submarines for the Royal Navy, at its Barrow-in-Furness shipyard.

BAE Systems also highlighted progress in the US market. The company secured a $1.2 billion contract to provide the US Space-Agencies with space-based missile tracking capabilities. In the land sector, the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) program reached its 500th delivery milestone, with the company executing full-rate production to meet the US Army’s requirement for nearly 3,000 vehicles.

Strategic partnerships and future technologies

The year also saw the launch of “Edgewing,” a joint venture with international industry partners in Italy and Japan for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). According to the press release, Edgewing will be accountable for the design and development of the next-generation combat aircraft. The company also noted the selection of its Malloy T-150 uncrewed air systems by the Royal Navy for logistical support during the Carrier Strike Group 2025 deployment.

2026 financial outlook

Looking ahead, BAE Systems provided guidance for the year ending December 31, 2026. The company expects sales to increase by 7% to 9% and underlying EBIT to grow by 9% to 11%. Underlying EPS is also projected to rise by 9% to 11%. Free cash flow is targeted to exceed £1.3 billion for the year.

The company also updated its three-year cumulative free cash flow guidance. For the period 2026–2028, BAE Systems expects cumulative free cash flow to be in excess of £6.0 billion. The guidance assumes an exchange rate of $1.32:£1, consistent with the actual 2025 rate.

Sources: BAE Systems

This article is based on an official press release from Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman and Embraer Partner to Develop C-390 Tactical Tanker for U.S. Market

Northrop Grumman and Embraer have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop advanced mission capabilities for the C-390 Millennium Commercial-Aircraft. According to the official announcement, the partnership focuses on converting the Brazilian-made tactical transport jet into a next-generation tanker suitable for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and allied nations.

The collaboration marks a significant strategic shift for both companies. For Embraer, it represents a renewed push into the lucrative U.S. defense market, while for Northrop Grumman, it signals a return to the aerial refueling sector. The companies stated that their primary technical objective is to develop an autonomous aerial refueling boom and integrate Northrop Grumman’s proprietary mission systems onto the C-390 platform.

While the companies utilized the term “Advanced Air Mobility” in their announcement, AirPro News notes that in this specific military context, the terminology refers to enhancing the logistical and refueling capabilities of the C-390 with autonomous systems, rather than the urban electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector often associated with the phrase.

Technical Innovations: The Autonomous Boom

The centerpiece of this Partnerships is the development of a rigid “flying boom” refueling system. Currently, the C-390 Millennium operates with a “probe-and-drogue” system, flexible hoses trailing from the wings, which is the standard refueling method for the U.S. Navy and many European air forces. However, the U.S. Air Force relies primarily on the rigid boom method to refuel its fleet of F-16s, F-35s, and other combat aircraft.

According to the press release, Northrop Grumman will lead the design and development of this new autonomous boom system. By automating the refueling process, the companies aim to reduce crew workload and improve safety during complex operations. Additionally, Northrop Grumman plans to install its advanced mission systems, which likely include communications, situational awareness, and survivability suites derived from its other combat platforms.

“We are exploring new technologies that will increase the versatility of the proven KC-390 platform and deliver the greater operational independence our customers need.”

, Tom Jones, President of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems

Strategic Alignment with Agile Combat Employment

The partnership is explicitly targeting the requirements of the U.S. Air Force’s “Agile Combat Employment” (ACE) doctrine. This operational Strategy calls for dispersing military forces across small, remote, or austere airfields to complicate enemy targeting, rather than concentrating aircraft at large, vulnerable bases.

The Tactical Tanker Niche

Current U.S. strategic tankers, such as the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus and the legacy KC-135, require long, well-maintained runways. In contrast, the C-390 is designed to operate from shorter, unpaved strips. By equipping the C-390 with a boom, Northrop Grumman and Embraer are positioning the aircraft as a “tactical tanker” that can bring fuel closer to the fight in the Pacific theater or other contested regions.

“This collaboration brings together two defense industry leaders… to bring the right capability to the U.S. Air Force.”

, Bosco da Costa Junior, CEO of Embraer Defense & Security

AirPro News Analysis

This partnership creates a compelling “David vs. Goliath” dynamic in the aerial refueling market, which has been dominated by Boeing for decades. While the C-390 cannot match the total fuel capacity of the larger KC-46 or Airbus A330 MRTT, it does not attempt to. Instead, it carves out a specific niche for a smaller, more agile tanker capable of island-hopping operations that heavy tankers cannot perform.

For Northrop Grumman, this is a low-risk entry back into the tanker market. Rather than developing a new airframe from scratch, a costly and risky endeavor, they are applying their high-tech systems to a proven airframe that has already secured orders from NATO nations including Portugal, Hungary, and the Netherlands. If the autonomous boom technology proves successful, it could disrupt the current market by offering a cost-effective solution for the USAF’s Next-Generation Air-Refueling System (NGAS) interim requirements.

Sources

• Northrop Grumman