London, August 25 - Europe’s relationship with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to be a cornerstone of NATO’s airpower, is undergoing a significant shift as several nations reconsider their commitments to the program. Initially embraced by countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands for its advanced capabilities and interoperability, the F-35 symbolized transatlantic defense collaboration. However, recent decisions by Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, and Canada signal a growing skepticism about the jet’s costs, strategic implications, and the risks of dependency on U.S. technology. Spain, for instance, has scrapped plans to acquire the F-35B for its navy, opting instead for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons and investment in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a European-led sixth-generation fighter project. Despite a 2022 referendum approving the purchase of 36 F-35As, Switzerland is now reevaluating due to rising costs and the U.S. refusal to lock in prices, compounded by new tariffs on Swiss exports. This pivot reflects a broader European push for military autonomy amid concerns over U.S. reliability as a defense partner, particularly following shifts in American foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
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The F-35’s “sustainment monopoly” is a central issue driving European hesitancy. The jet’s complex software and maintenance systems, controlled largely by the U.S., require regular updates and spare parts that only Lockheed Martin can provide through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. This arrangement limits operational independence, as nations must rely on U.S. approval for mission data files and software upgrades critical to the jet’s performance. Germany, which signed a €8.3 billion deal for 35 F-35As in 2022, has faced scrutiny over clauses in the FMS agreement allowing the U.S. to suspend or terminate support at its discretion, raising fears that the jets could be grounded without American consent. Reports have highlighted that mission data is stored on U.S.-controlled Amazon Web Services, further deepening concerns about surveillance and control. These restrictions clash with Europe’s growing emphasis on sovereignty, as nations like Spain prioritize domestic defense industries, with 87% of its increased defense budget allocated to European companies. The Eurofighter and FCAS, alongside France’s Rafale, are seen as viable alternatives that support local jobs and reduce reliance on external powers.
Geopolitical tensions have further eroded trust in the F-35 program. Trump’s criticisms of NATO, his pause on military aid to Ukraine, and threats of trade wars have rattled European allies, prompting a reevaluation of defense partnerships. Portugal’s Defense Minister Nuno Melo, for example, cited uncertainties in U.S. policy as a reason to reconsider a $6 billion F-35 acquisition, emphasizing the need for “predictable allies.” Canada, committed to 16 F-35s but reviewing the remaining 72, is exploring European options like Sweden’s Saab Gripen, which could be assembled domestically. These concerns are amplified by fears of a “kill switch”, a rumored mechanism that could allow the U.S. to disable the jets remotely, though the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have denied its existence, insisting the program is a collaborative effort. Still, the perception of vulnerability persists, as European nations question whether reliance on a U.S.-controlled platform aligns with their strategic interests in an era of fraying alliances and rising threats, particularly from Russia’s anti-access/area-denial capabilities.
Despite the F-35’s advanced stealth and sensor fusion, which make it a formidable asset against adversaries like Russia, the program’s high costs and operational constraints are pushing Europe toward alternatives. The jet’s unit cost, estimated at $80–85 million, excludes the steep maintenance expenses, which can exceed initial projections by 50%. European nations, already operating or planning to acquire over 550 F-35s by 2030, are now weighing the benefits of interoperability against the risks of dependency. The Netherlands, a key partner, remains committed, with Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans dismissing “kill switch” fears as scaremongering, but the broader trend suggests a shift. Spain’s focus on FCAS, expected to be operational by 2040, and Portugal’s exploration of European platforms reflect a strategic pivot toward self-sufficiency. As Europe invests in its defense industry and sixth-generation projects like FCAS and the UK-led Tempest, the F-35’s dominance may wane, signaling a new era where European nations prioritize autonomy over alignment with U.S. military technology.
