LMT · News · 20260918N

F-35 International Expansion

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP · 2026-09-18 · Importance 40 · Surprise 42

Germany received and Lockheed Martin presented its first F-35A on September 18, 2026, under a procurement plan for 35 aircraft. Pilot training is expected to begin in late 2026, with the first jets scheduled to arrive in Germany by late 2027, supporting NATO and European airpower modernization. Separately, the U.S. government plans to sell up to 48 F-35 aircraft to Saudi Arabia, which would expand the platform’s international footprint but remains subject to government export approval and execution.