German chancellor confirms purchase of F-35 fighter jets

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed his government's intention to buy American F-35 fighters for the German army.

"Germany adheres to its obligations under the NATO agreements on nuclear sharing, including through the purchase of F-35 dual-use combat aircraft," Scholz wrote in an article in the American magazine "Foreign Affairs".

Germany has participated for decades in the nuclear deterrence of NATO, with combat aircraft stationed at the "Buchel" air base in the Eifel region of the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate to use the US nuclear bombs stored there in emergencies.

It is planned that the "F-35" fighters will replace the "Tornado" aircraft currently allocated for this purpose.

There is discontent among members of the German parliament's budget committee (Bundestag) about the potential risks in the planned purchase of US aircraft.

Committee members will hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the matter.

Yesterday, Sunday, the German newspaper "Bild am Sonntag" reported a confidential report in which the Ministry of Defense warned of the great risks of the deal.

The newspaper added that it is not clear whether the German army will acquire the airport in Büchel, Rhineland-Palatinate, modified for these fighters in time until 2026, or not.

"Therefore, time delays and additional costs until the aircraft start operating cannot be ruled out," the paper quoted the document as saying.

The newspaper added that there is also a risk that the issuance of the national aviation permit will not be available in a timely manner.

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