Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

European Nations Reassess F-35 Purchases Amid Concerns Over U.S. Control

The dominance of the American-made F-35 in Europe faces scrutiny as countries like Portugal delay orders and explore alternatives like France's Rafale jet.

À droite le F-35A de l'américain Lockheed Martin, à gauche le Rafale du français Dassault. Si les deux appareils ont un écart technologique à l'avantage du premier, le second tire son épingle du jeu par sa polyvalence sans excès de contrôle français sur son usage par le pays acheteur. 
Image
Un F-35 néerlandais stationné sur la base d’Amari, en Estonie, le 12 février.

Overview

  • Over 600 F-35 jets are currently ordered by European nations, solidifying its position as the primary fighter aircraft in the region.
  • The F-35's reliance on U.S.-controlled updates and centralized maintenance in Florida raises concerns about operational autonomy and sovereignty.
  • Portugal has postponed its F-35 purchase, citing strategic concerns over U.S. geopolitical reliability, while Belgium is reconsidering additional orders.
  • The French-made Rafale, seen as a more independent alternative, has limited adoption in Europe, with only Croatia and Greece operating the aircraft.
  • The debate highlights broader tensions between European defense autonomy and reliance on U.S. military technology, especially under shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities.