Defense Ministry Announces F-35 Procurement

The German Ministry of Defense has announced that it will buy advanced fighter aircraft from the U.S., reports Lockheed Martin.

On Wednesday, the ministry announced plans to purchase 35 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

The program includes engines, role-specific mission equipment, spare and replacement parts, technical and logistic support, training and armament, Lockheed said.

In March, Berlin selected the F-35A to replace its aging fleet of Tornado strike jets. The Lightning II will take up Germany's NATO nuclear deterrent mission.

Germany is the ninth FMS customer for the F-35 program, U.S. Air Force program officials said.