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BERLIN – Amid shifting geopolitical tides, Europe and Canada are re-evaluating their reliance on American-made fighter jets, questioning whether big-ticket purchases like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter remain the best strategic choice.
Concerns have grown following policy shifts that have led some NATO members to question the reliability of U.S. defense commitments. This has spurred interest in exploring alternative defense systems, potentially favoring European-manufactured jets.
The European Union recently unveiled plans to decrease its security dependence on the U.S., aiming to increase the procurement of defense equipment from within Europe. Currently, EU nations allocate approximately two-thirds of their defense orders to U.S. companies.
Canada Reconsiders F-35 Purchase
In Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney has initiated a review of the F-35 purchase, prompted by trade tensions and concerns about economic coercion from the U.S. Defense Minister Bill Blair is examining alternative options given the evolving global landscape. Canada recently invested in an early warning radar system from Australia.
Portugal Weighs Options
Similarly, Portugal is reassessing its plans to replace its F-16s with F-35s, citing concerns over Washington’s recent policy decisions. The country is exploring various alternatives.
The F-35: Capabilities and Concerns
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is renowned for its stealth, maneuverability, and attack capabilities. However, with a price tag of around $85 million per jet (potentially rising to $150 million with infrastructure and spares), it represents a significant investment. The program’s lifetime costs are projected to exceed $1.7 trillion.
Concerns have arisen regarding the potential for a “kill switch” embedded in the F-35’s software, which could allow the U.S. to disable the aircraft. The Pentagon has firmly denied the existence of such a kill switch.
Experts also note that the F-35’s reliance on U.S.-controlled tech upgrades could make it vulnerable if relations sour, potentially rendering the jet inoperable.
European Alternatives
Potential alternatives to the F-35 include the Saab Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Dassault Rafale. While these jets may lack the F-35’s stealth capabilities, they offer viable options for nations seeking to diversify their defense procurement.
- Saab Gripen: A Swedish-made fighter used by several countries, known for its cost-effectiveness.
- Eurofighter Typhoon: A multirole fighter manufactured by a European consortium.
- Dassault Rafale: A French-built twin-jet fighter used by various nations.
A Turning Point for European Defense?
Experts suggest that the recent shift away from the U.S. could mark a turning point for the European defense industry, encouraging greater investment in research, development, and manufacturing within the continent.