ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE
Article Published on: 21ST MAR 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com
NATO countries are re-evaluating their plans to purchase F-35 fighter jets amid ongoing tariff threats from US President Donald Trump and his stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. Many NATO members had intended to acquire the F-35 to replace aging fleets, including American, European, and Soviet-era aircraft. However, recent geopolitical tensions have cast uncertainty over these deals.
Currently, 19 US allies operate the F-35, including non-NATO nations such as South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Israel. However, Portugal’s defense minister recently cited “US positions in the context of NATO” as a reason to reconsider replacing 28 F-16s with the F-35 Lightning II.
As NATO countries explore alternatives, Sweden’s Saab JAS-39 Gripen is emerging as a strong contender. While it lacks the F-35’s stealth capabilities, the Gripen offers superior speed, range, and significantly lower procurement and operational costs, making it an attractive option for nations reassessing their defense strategies.