German lawmakers approve purchase of F-35 fighter jets

BERLIN

Germany's parliament's budget committee approved major defense procurement projects, including the purchase of F-35 fighter jets, the country's defense chief announced on Wednesday.

"This is a good day for the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr," Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht told a news conference in Berlin, adding that the approved procurements also included new assault rifles and an upgrade to Puma infantry fighting vehicles.

The purchase of 35 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets will cost Germany €10 billion ($10.6 billion), with the first batch to be delivered to the country in 2027, according the Defense Ministry.

The Lockheed Martin combat jets are meant to replace Germany's aging fleet of nuclear-capable Tornado bombers.