On February 19, 2026, reports emerged that Germany is considering acquiring more F-35 fighter jets from the United States, potentially increasing its fleet to around 85 aircraft. This move comes as Germany's joint fighter program with France, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), faces significant challenges and potential abandonment. According to sources cited by Reuters, Berlin is in negotiations that could lead to the purchase of over 35 additional F-35s, each costing more than $80 million. This expansion would deepen Germany's reliance on American military technology, a shift that contrasts with the European defense autonomy that France advocates. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed skepticism about the future need for a manned sixth-generation fighter jet, questioning, "Will we still need a manned fighter jet in 20 years' time?" (Straits Times). The FCAS program, launched in 2017 with a budget of €100 billion, has been plagued by industrial disagreements and is now at a standstill, prompting Germany to seek immediate solutions through increased F-35 acquisitions (Business Recorder).