ILA 2026: First F-35A for Germany nears completion

The first of 35 F-35As for Germany receives its F135 powerplant during final assembly. Deliveries to the Luftwaffe in the US are due to commence later in 2026. (Lockheed Martin)

Final assembly of the first F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) for Germany is nearing completion at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth production facility in Texas.

The Pratt and Whitney F135 powerplant was recently mated with airframe MG-01 at the site, completing one of the final major assembly processes ahead of delivery to the Luftwaffe in the US later in 2026.

“The power behind Germany's first F-35,” Lockheed Martin Europe said ahead of the ILA Berlin Airshow running from 10 to 14 June 2026. “With the successful installation of the engine, the aircraft has reached another important milestone – on the path to delivering state-of-the-art fifth-generation capabilities for Germany.”

After the completion of major assembly, this first of 35 F-35A for Germany aircraft will receive its paint and final finishes, including its stealth coating. First flight and official rollout are scheduled for later in 2026, before initially being delivered with seven other Luftwaffe aircraft to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for pilot training.

The first aircraft will arrive at Büchel Air Base in Germany in the third quarter of 2027, with deliveries running through to 2029. Initial operating capability is scheduled for 2029, with full operating capability following in 2030.

Speaking to Janes and other attendees at the IQPC International Fighter Conference (IFC) 2025 held in Rome from 4 to 6 November 2025, Colonel Klaus Wuggazer, co-ordination officer F-35A at the Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium der Verteidigung: BMVg) spelt out the Luftwaffe's planned transition of the Panavia Tornado's capabilities to the F-35A.