The German government will purchase several dozen F-35 fighter jets from the United States amid the Russia–Ukraine conflict, said a government minister this week. “After looking thoroughly into all available options, I decided to initiate the purchase of F-35 aircraft as replacement for the Tornado in the role of nuclear sharing,” Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said in a statement. She was referring to Germany’s aging fleet of Panavia Tornado planes, which Germany has employed since the 1980s and are reportedly due to be phased out in the coming years. Officials said those F-35 jets, which are considered among the most advanced aircraft in the world due to their electronic warfare and stealth capabilities, would be upgraded to carry nuclear weapons. Currently, Germany’s Tornado jets are capable of doing so. Announcing the decision to reporters on Tuesday, Lambrecht added that Germany also will upgrade its Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets for electronic warfare. …