- European and Canadian officials are considering alternatives to U.S.-made fighter jets, like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, due to President Trump's unpredictable foreign policy and shift away from European security commitments.
- Canada, a partner in the F-35 program, is reviewing its purchase, while Portugal is also reconsidering due to U.S. unpredictability.
- The F-35's high cost, dependence on U.S. tech upgrades, and the fear of potential for coercion through software control are contributing factors to the shift.
- There was a long term plan to standardise NATO weaponry by replacing Soviet-era jets with Western models, like the F-16 and F-35.
- Alternatives like the Saab Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Dassault Rafale are now being considered, though they lack the F-35's stealth capabilities.
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