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Germany received the first F-35 stealth fighter jet on Friday, out of 35 ordered four years ago, according to the American manufacturer.
Lockheed Martin said in a statement that it "delivered the first F-35A Lightning II aircraft for Germany to the German government," during a ceremony held at its production facility in Fort Worth, Texas.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius praised the aircraft, describing it as "the most advanced in the world," and said the delivery marks "the beginning of a new era for the German Air Force."
Pistorius added, "It features stealth capabilities, close integration with other platforms, and superior sensing technology."
Germany ordered 35 of these jets under a deal made in 2022, the year Russia launched its war on Ukraine, with the aim of replacing its aging Tornado fleet.
This fifth-generation fighter jet boasts features that make it one of the most advanced in the world, particularly in terms of radar evasion.
Washington has used this aircraft in the war against Iran. Lockheed Martin says there are currently more than 1,350 of them in operation worldwide.
The administration of President Donald Trump has always pressured Europe to increase defense spending, to allow Washington to focus on other challenges, such as China.
As a result, European countries are increasing their military budgets, and have agreed to Trump's demand to allocate 5% of GDP for security spending by 2035.
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