BERLIN (Reuters) -German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius intends to order an additional 15 F-35 fighter jets from U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin, a parliamentary source told Reuters on Monday, confirming a report by Spiegel magazine.

Planners expect the aircraft to cost about 2.5 billion euros ($2.9 billion), according to confidential documents prepared for parliament’s budget committee, the source said.

Another source familiar with the matter confirmed the discussions to buy additional aircraft, without citing a number. The defence ministry in Berlin declined to comment.

Germany has already ordered 35 of the U.S.-made jets to replace its fleet of 85 ageing Tornado fighter jets, which are set to be decommissioned.

The F-35 aircraft will succeed the Tornado jets in their role of car

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