US President Donald Trump’s harsh criticism of Europe has increased the uncertainties in transatlantic relations and this has reinforced the hesitations of some European countries regarding the procurement of F-35 fighter jets. Countries such as Canada, Denmark and Germany are reconsidering their decisions to purchase F-35s due to increasing tensions and strategic relations with the US. F-35 discussions can shape long-term political relations beyond just military cooperation.
F-35 Discussions on the Agenda in Europe
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, The purchase of 35 F-35A fighter jets has been finalized and announced that this decision will not change. Pistorius emphasized Germany's strategic ties with the United States, The F-35 is an indispensable option for Germany He stated that the alliance with the US was not limited to the F-35 program and that cooperation would continue in many military projects. However, these statements were met with criticism from some circles in Germany, The Luftwaffe should cancel its F-35 order did not end the debate about it.
F-35A Purchase Questioned in Denmark
Denmark, 27 F-35A fighter jets ordered and these planes It will be put into service on April 1stHowever, Rasmus Jarlov, Chairman of the Danish Parliamentary Defence Committee, said that he played an active role in making this decision only now pişmanlık Jarlov expressed concern that the US could use the aircraft as a tool for political pressure in the future. The debate in Denmark has led to an increasing number of countries questioning the future of the F-35 in Europe.
Canada to Reconsider F-35 Order
Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair, signed in 2023 Order for 88 F-35A fighter jets announced that it will be re-evaluated. However, Payment for 16 aircraft has already been made and the final decision, Early elections to be held in April This uncertainty in Canada could also affect the future of the country's military policies and increase tensions in strategic relations with the United States.
Portugal Opens Door to F-35 Alternatives
Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo said that the current 28 F-16AM/BM fighter jets will be replaced Different alternatives instead of F-35 Melo stated that they would call. European made solutions by focusing on these planes Whether it will bring a return to the Portuguese economy He also stated that they will take it into consideration. Concerns that the US may impose restrictions on the operational use of the F-35 have led Portugal to Alternatives like Rafale instead of F-35 can direct.
Rafale Offer from France: A Cautious Approach
French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation, to Portugal Rafale fighter jets expressed his willingness to offer. Dassault CEO Eric Trappier, he said it would be logical to offer Rafale to Portugal, because Portugal NATO and European Union member and that they may have similar operational capacity in this context. However, Possibility of cancelling F-35 orders He took a cautious approach regarding countries that are in conflict, stating that it was difficult to determine whether this step would produce definitive results.
France's Previous Non-Participation in the F-35 Race
Dassault Aviation has been He had avoided participating in F-35 tenders. In 2013, Denmark did not participate in the fighter jet tender and Germany's F-35 decision He had not considered Rafale as an option. Therefore, Portugal's preference for Rafale over F-35, Dassault Aviation could present a strategic opportunity for the United States. However, it remains unclear when Lisbon will make its final decision and how it will balance its alliance with the United States.
Conclusion: The F-35 Crisis and Strategic Transformation in Europe
The future of the F-35 in Europe is not only in terms of military cooperation, the course of transatlantic relations Tensions with the US may lead European countries to seek alternatives. Portugal's move towards Rafale or other European countries to review their F-35 purchases, The balance of power in NATO and the European Union This process can reshape both Europe's defense strategies and In relations with the USA may have long-term consequences.
