Germany seeks more F-35 jets as European fighter programme falters, sources say

A F-35 fighter jet flies during a media day of NATO's "Air Defender 23" military exercise at Spangdahlem U.S. Air Base near the German-Belgian border in Spangdahlem, Germany June 14, 2023. REUTERS/Jana Rodenbusch

BERLIN/WASHINGTON, Feb ⁠18 (Reuters) - Germany is considering ordering more U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, two sources told Reuters, a move that ⁠would deepen Berlin's reliance on American military technology as its joint next-generation fighter programme with France ‌falters.

One source said Berlin was in talks that could lead to the purchase of more than 35 additional jets. A second source did not specify the number. Both sources cautioned that the outcome was still uncertain.