“There are currently no plans to purchase additional F-35 fighter jets,” said a spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry, denying reports published on Monday suggesting that Berlin intended to order 15 more F-35s following its initial purchase of 35 aircraft.

Yesterday, Der Spiegel and later Handelsblatt, citing parliamentary sources, reported that the Defense Ministry had submitted a classified document to the Bundestag, requesting authorization to order 15 F-35 fighter jets from U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin, arguing that they were essential for fulfilling Germany’s NATO commitments. The proposed order was reportedly valued at €2.5 billion.

The F-35s are meant to replace the aging Tornado jets, which currently carry out Germany’s role in nuclear-sharing missions, covering the transport and deployment of U.S. nuclear bombs stored on German soil. This mission will eventually be taken over by the F-35s.

According to the current plan, the new aircraft will be stationed at Büchel Air Base in the Eifel region starting in 2027, which is currently being upgraded to meet the new operational requirements.