Following US President Donald Trump’s repeated tax risks and his position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, NATO nations are considering whether to commit to purchasing an American-made F-35 fighter jet.
The US and 19 allies, including non-NATO countries like South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Israel, are currently operating the F-35. Some NATO members planned to buy the jets in order to change their aging ships, which included US, European, and yet Soviet-era jets. These offers are now being investigated, despite new political developments.
Portugal’s defense secretary cited” the current US position in the environment of NATO” as a justification for revising plans to replace 28 F-16s with the F-35 Lightning II on Thursday.
In the same vein, Mark Carney, Canada’s newly appointed prime minister, called for a review of the$ 13 billion deal for 88 F-35s. Germany’s attempt for 35 of the aircraft is also ambiguous.
The F-35 program has frequently experienced professional difficulties and cost overruns. Despite this, it continues to be one of the most sophisticated combat aircraft in the world, with cunning capabilities, cutting-edge detectors, and multi-role features.
The F-35 is a really good planes with best-in-class rebellion features and small observability, according to Richard Aboulafia, managing chairman at Aerodynamic Advisory, an aircraft firm. If NATO gives up on it.
The same airplane makes it easier for NATO members to operate it, reducing maintenance, spare parts supply, and weapons compatibility.
Former Texas member Mac Thornberry, a steadfast supporter of the F-35 program, warned that any flee from the plane “would further deteriorate Nato’s coherence,” which our enemies would like to see.
He said,” It’s easier to struggle with friends when you use the same tools,” according to NPR.
Sweden’s Saab JAS-39 Gripen is emerging as a possible opportunity for nations looking for alternatives. The Gripen has greater velocity, range, and significantly lower procurement and administrative costs, though it is less subtle.
It poses logistical challenges, but it is less agreeable with Nato’s standardized systems.
Fears of a so-called “kill switch” that would allow the US to mildly activate the aircraft have been raised in Western media reports. The US government accountability office projected the high cost of the F-35 to be more than$ 2 trillion over its lifetime, which has also drawn criticism domestically.
