Overview

• Macron used a post on X featuring a Rafale to urge European allies to replace Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighters with France’s multirole jets
• He framed the push as a step toward European strategic autonomy and a cost-effective, self-sustaining defense network
• France has delivered over 200 Rafales to its own forces and exported the fighter to India and Egypt
• Countries such as Poland and Finland have previously ordered F-35s, signing major deals in 2020 and 2021 respectively
• The appeal coincides with growing doubts about US NATO commitments following President Trump’s return to office