The F-35 Is Losing the (Trade) War
12 hours ago
- #Trade War
- #Military Procurement
- #F-35
- The F-35 Lightning II, the most expensive and advanced airplane program in history, is facing setbacks due to trade wars.
- Allies like Switzerland, Portugal, Canada, and Spain are hesitating or canceling orders due to trade uncertainties and tariffs.
- Switzerland reconsidered its order after the U.S. couldn't provide a fixed price and faced a 39% tariff.
- Canada is reviewing its F-35 purchases amid trade tensions, while Spain outright canceled its order.
- Many countries still need to modernize their aging fighter fleets, but the F-35's high costs and trade issues are complicating decisions.
- The U.S. itself is reducing F-35 orders, with the Air Force and Navy scaling back purchases.
- The effectiveness of cheaper drones in conflicts like Ukraine is raising questions about the necessity of expensive fighter jets.
- Despite the challenges, advanced fighter jets remain crucial for great power conflicts, but fewer F-35s may be available than previously expected.