The example of the F-35 fighter jet demonstrates Germany's dependence on the USA. Defense Minister Pistorius stands by the purchase of the ultra-modern aircraft - and contradicts doubters who question the reliability of the Trump administration.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius wants to stick with the purchase of the F-35 stealth jets from the USA. "The USA is and will remain an important ally for us - also for equipping the Bundeswehr," he said in response to doubts about further arms cooperation with the USA under President Donald Trump. Europe and the USA "want to and must gain clout", the SPD politician told the German Press Agency. "This applies not only to the F-35, but also to our other projects."
The F-35 project in particular shows how closely interwoven and coordinated industries are, said the Minister. "It is a multinational project. Essential parts of the F-35 are manufactured outside the USA," said Pistorius. In Germany, for example, Rheinmetall is involved in production and eight nations were involved in the development. "14 NATO nations and a total of 20 nations are currently or will be using the F-35," he said. There are mutual benefits from the user community.
F-35 can carry US nuclear bombs
By procuring the F-35, Germany is securing its continued nuclear sharing - a NATO deterrence concept in which allies have access to US nuclear bombs in the event of war. "It is only possible with fighter aircraft that the US government has certified for this purpose. Only the F-35 can close the gap that will arise at the end of the decade when the Tornados reach their age limit," said Pistorius.
Reports about a possible remote shutdown ("kill switch") by the USA had fueled concerns about excessive dependency. The Ministry of Defense contradicted this: "There is no possibility of simply switching off the F-35 remotely. That is not true," said a spokesperson. He also contradicted reports of a crisis meeting in the ministry regarding the US weapons.
