Germany's first F-35A completes maiden flight in Fort Worth
Germany's first F-35A Lightning II conducted its maiden flight from Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth facility on September 8, 2026, ahead of its official rollout ceremony scheduled for September 18.
Germany’s first F-35A Lightning II took to the air for the first time on September 8, 2026, from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facilities in Texas. The aircraft, designated 35+01, had recently come off the assembly line and received its final paint scheme. An official rollout ceremony is planned for September 18.
The jet carries German Air Force markings, including a full-color German flag and the insignia of the German Air Force Tactical Training Command USA (GAFTTCOM USA) on the tail. That command oversees German pilot training in the United States, where eight German F-35s will soon be based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas.
Lockheed Martin has updated the production milestones. The aircraft reached final assembly in March, received its F135 engine in May, and was painted in August.
Sources
- theaviationist.comGermany’s First F-35 Has Flown