Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius rejected claims that buying US F-35 fighters will make Berlin dependent on Washington, saying the purchase is meant to bolster independence while preserving allied cooperation. He expects about 700 F-35s to operate in Europe in coming years and argued that maintenance and support will require European sites, creating contracts for local industry. Germany has ordered 35 jets—the first was shown to Pistorius in Fort Worth—and the purchase costs around €10 billion ($11.5 billion).
Pistorius: Germany’s F-35 Purchase Won’t Make It Dependent On The US, Says Defence Minister
Boris Pistorius (C), German Minister of Defense and Holger Neumann (L), Inspector General of the Air Force, hold a press conference during the handover ceremony in front of the German Air Force's F-35A fighter jet on the grounds of the US company Lockheed Martin. Germany has ordered 35 of these stealth jets, which are considered among the most advanced fighter jets in the world. (is associated with: «Pistorius: F-35 deal does not make Germany more dependent on US») Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has dismissed concerns that buying the US-made F-35 stealth fighter will make Berlin dependent on Washington. Speaking to public broadcaster ZDF, Pistorius said the acquisition is intended to strengthen Germany’s defence independence while maintaining close cooperation with allies.
Cooperation, Not Dependence
Pistorius emphasised that Germany wants to become "more independent" but also needs to continue working with its "biggest allies" in areas where partnerships already exist or where equivalent systems are not yet produced in Europe. He framed the procurement as a mutually beneficial relationship rather than a one-way reliance.
"We are allies, after all, and we intend to remain so. And that includes developing and procuring equipment together," Pistorius said, noting that there are mutual strategic and industrial interests.
European Maintenance And Industry Benefits
Pointing to rising global demand for the F-35, Pistorius said the United States has an interest in using European defence-industry capacity, engineering know‑how and production sites. He predicted that in a few years roughly 700 F-35s will be in service with European armed forces and argued that maintenance and upkeep cannot be handled solely from the US. Establishing support sites in Europe, he said, will create contracts and work for European companies.
During a visit to Fort Worth, Texas, Pistorius was shown the first of 35 F-35s that Germany has ordered. He described the jets as giving the Bundeswehr "the most capable fighter jet in the world." Germany is spending around €10 billion (about $11.5 billion) on the purchase.
What This Means
The deal aims to combine enhanced military capability with industrial opportunities for Europe: interoperability with allies, local maintenance hubs, and contracts for European suppliers. According to Pistorius, that approach supports both national independence and allied burden‑sharing.
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