US approves sale of F-35 fighter jets to German

WORLD, Jul. 29 (YPA) – The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale of F-35 fighter jets, ammunition and related equipment to Germany at an estimated cost of $8.4 billion,  Defense Security Cooperation Agency ( DSCA) said in a statement on Thursday.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe, the statement read.

According to the statement, فhe proposed sale will improve Germany’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a suitable replacement for Germany’s retiring Tornado aircraft fleet in support of NATO’s nuclear sharing mission, the centerpiece for deterrence in Europe. Germany will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.

The aircraft would be the conventional take-off and landing variant called the F-35A. In addition to the 35 stealth fighters, the potential order also covers the same number of Pratt & Whitney F-135-PW-100 engines plus two spares, maintenance support, training, and an array of weaponry, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, as well as bombs.

E.M