Germany’s First F-35A Advances to Final Assembly at Lockheed Martin

This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin, supplemented by comprehensive industry research data.

Germany’s first F-35A Lightning II has officially entered the final assembly phase at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas facility. The milestone, announced on March 23, 2026, marks a significant step in the modernization of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) and the broader defense strategy of the European nation.

According to the official press release from Lockheed Martin, the aircraft has achieved a critical manufacturing milestone. The manufacturers stated:

“The first F-35A Lightning II aircraft for the Luftwaffe, or German Air Force, progressed further in its journey through the mile-long production line.”

The advancement of this first jet, designated MG-01, is a central component of Germany’s military overhaul. Procured to replace the aging Panavia Tornado fleet, the F-35A will ensure Germany continues to meet its NATO nuclear-sharing commitments into the next decade.

The Assembly Process and Timeline

Structural Mating and Systems Integration

The journey of MG-01 to final assembly involved precision engineering across multiple facilities. Industry reports indicate that the aircraft entered final assembly with its “weight on wheels” for the first time. Its four major structural components, the forward, center, and aft fuselages, along with the wing assemblies, were joined using an electronic mate and alignment system featuring advanced laser-guided fixtures. Initial major assembly of these parts began at Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Georgia site in December 2024.

During this final assembly phase in Fort Worth, engineers will install the Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan engine, avionics, flight control surfaces, and the cockpit canopy. Following systems integration, the jet will receive its specialized stealth coating, which is designed to minimize its radar signature and enhance survivability in contested environments.

Delivery and Training Schedule

The first aircraft is projected to complete its official roll-out and first flight later in 2026. According to available program data, the first eight German F-35s currently taking shape will be delivered to the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

This facility serves as a Foreign Military Pilot Training Center, where Luftwaffe pilots and ground crews will gain operational experience before the aircraft are deployed to Europe. The fleet is scheduled to begin relocating to the modernized Büchel Air Base in Germany in 2027, with the Luftwaffe targeting an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) by 2028.

Strategic Context and Future Expansion

Replacing the Tornado Fleet

Germany’s initial order of 35 F-35A aircraft, approved by the Bundestag in December 2022, represents a €10 billion ($11.7 billion) comprehensive package. The primary driver for this procurement is the impending retirement of the Panavia Tornado fleet, which is scheduled to leave service by 2030.

The Tornados currently execute Germany’s nuclear-sharing role within NATO, a mission that involves the potential delivery of U.S.-owned B61 nuclear bombs. The F-35A was selected specifically because it is certified for this mission, a capability not currently integrated into newer European fighters like the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Potential for Additional Orders

While the initial order secures 35 jets, recent developments suggest the Luftwaffe’s F-35 fleet could grow significantly. Reports from February 2026 indicate the German government is weighing the purchase of up to 35 additional F-35As. Earlier reports from October 2025 suggested plans to order an initial batch of 15 additional jets for approximately $2.9 billion.

This potential expansion is reportedly influenced by ongoing uncertainties and industrial rivalries within the trinational Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program being developed with France and Spain. If finalized, an expanded order could bring Germany’s total F-35 fleet to between 50 and 85 aircraft.

AirPro News analysis

We view Germany’s rapid progression through the F-35 production pipeline as a strong indicator of Berlin’s commitment to modernizing its defense posture in a shifting European security landscape. The integration of domestic industrial partners, such as the Rheinmetall facility in Weeze, which began manufacturing center fuselage sections in July 2025, demonstrates that the F-35 program is not merely a foreign procurement, but a strategic industrial partnership. Furthermore, the potential for additional orders underscores the F-35’s growing role as the de facto standard for NATO allied air forces, particularly as indigenous European next-generation fighter programs face developmental and political hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many F-35s did Germany originally order? Germany ordered 35 F-35A aircraft in December 2022 as part of a €10 billion package.
• When will the first German F-35 fly? The first flight and official roll-out are expected later in 2026.
• Where will the German F-35s be based? Initial training will occur at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. The aircraft will permanently relocate to Büchel Air Base in Germany starting in 2027.
• Why did Germany choose the F-35? The F-35A was selected primarily to replace the retiring Panavia Tornado fleet and fulfill Germany’s NATO nuclear-sharing commitments, as the aircraft is certified to carry B61 nuclear weapons.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin Press Release
• Industry Research and Program Data