Berlin plans to purchase in the $10.5 billion deal to buy F-35 fighter jets made by Lockheed Martin, with the first eight aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2026. While the Biden administration approved the sale of the jets, munitions, and associated equipment in July, Germany is said to have until the end of the year to finalise a deal with Lockheed Martin.
The Defence Ministry, on the other hand, expressed concerns about rising costs and technical issues in a classified letter to the German parliament"s budget committee.
It stated that because the US"s security requirements are extremely complex, "delays and additional costs before the start of flight operations cannot be ruled out."
According to the report, the ministry is unsure whether the necessary upgrades at Buchel Air Base in southwestern Germany, where the jets are supposed to be located, will be completed by 2026.
According to the letter, other factors that could raise costs include inflation, currency fluctuations, and higher production costs.
Under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Germany has repeatedly increased military spending and stated that it wants to play a leading security role in Europe in the aftermath of the Ukraine war.
By 2030, the F-35 fighter jets are expected to replace Germany"s ageing fleet of Tornado nuclear-capable bombers.
Germany and France are working on the FCAS project, and the German aviation industry fears that the f-35 procurement may undermine the project.
