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. ...

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[–] SaveTheTuaHawk@lemmy.ca 1 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

you guys are taking kill switch too literally. They cannot have a software kill swith OTA, because that would be too vulnerable.

F-35s burn through parts that need changing almost every flight, they could be disabled easily just by not sending parts. These are the most expensive aircraft in history to maintain, the insane price tags are just the start.

[–] Voroxpete@sh.itjust.works 1 points 4 days ago

Countries can make their own parts for the F-35. It's firmware the US controls, not hardware.