cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/5525782
European nations and Canada are “pushing away” from the F-35, motivated by a desire for “strategic autonomy” and political friction with the Trump administration
Spain officially canceled its F-35 purchase in August 2025, opting for European-built alternatives. Switzerland is now also reviewing its 36-jet deal after being hit with a “shocking” $1.3 billion price hike and new 39% U.S. tariffs, and recent reports suggest that Portugal has not opted to purchase the U.S. jets
Instead of the F-35, they are increasingly looking to European alternatives, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
Canada’s 88-jet deal is also in “limbo,” as PM Mark Carney, angered by Trump’s “51st state” comments and trade disputes, ordered a review of the 72 un-committed jets
Technological and industrial sovereignty are significant reasons why some countries are opting not to purchase the F-35. Some European nations prioritize developing their own defense industries and technological bases. Buying American-made F-35s would make them dependent on US supply chains and could suppress the development of their own next-generation aircraft programs. …
I have no clue what the other guy is talking about. The F-22 is an amazing plane that was and still is the stealthiest fighter made.
They’re just parroting the BS about “western weapons are too reliant on technology”. Oh no, complicated things, so scary. It’s unfounded and pretty prevalent in russian-aligned commentary as more and more information comes out about the spectacular technological shortcomings the russian military has been trying to hide (like how the much celebrated and modeled SU-75, russia’s 5th gen steal “equivalent” to the F35, turns out to have been made of plywood. And as far as anyone knows, it still is, we’ve never seen one fly).
If they push the line that advanced equipment is bad then they don’t look so pathetic. Unfortunately, people who dont know any better also wind up believing them.