Germany is considering ordering more U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, two sources told Reuters, a move that would deepen Berlin's reliance on American military technology as its joint next-generation fighter program with France falters. Buying more F-35 jets would give Germany time to figure out developing and finding a partner for a jet project. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday questioned whether developing a manned sixth-generation fighter jet, as FCAS has sought to do, still made sense for his country's air force. "Will we still need a manned fighter jet in 20 years' time? While insiders expect Germany and France to abandon a joint fighter jet, they anticipate the allies will continue to cooperate on drones and digital warfare infrastructure.

Source: The Telegraph February 19, 2026 07:33 UTC