Ramona Adams
The German air force has indicated a preference for Lockheed Martin-built F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to replace the service’s fleet of Tornado fighter jets, Jane’s 360 reported Wednesday.
A senior official from Germany’s air force told Jane’s 360 that the military branch has shortlisted potential Tornado replacements and it believes F-35 meets most program requirements and offers additional features compared with other fighter platforms
Reuters reported Thursday Lt. Gen. Karl Muellner, chief of staff of the German air force, has stated that Germany seeks a fifth-generation platform that cannot be easily detected by enemy radars and can engage targets from a long distance.
Lockheed CEOÂ Marillyn Hewson told Reuters during a trip to Norway that the company is ready to work with the U.S. government on discussions with Germany regarding the Tornado replacement effort.
The European country plans to replace 85 Tornado jets that are slated to retire around 2030.
