More reasons not to buy the F35

[Eichhörnchen]

https://theaviationist.com/2025/03/1...al-f-35-plans/

There's going to be no autonomy when operating these - if they can be switched off at the precocious whim of a man-child, who's going to want them?

[Jimbuna]

Good point but try telling that to Two Tier Keir.

[mapuc]

No doubt the Swedish fighter jet is a better choice



Markus

[Dargo]

After Portugal, Canada now wants to get rid of US F-35 fighter jets. Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair announced a few hours after his reappointment to Prime Minister Mark Carney's new cabinet that the country is looking for other options. Canada has an order outstanding for F-35s worth some $19 billion. A majority of Canadians want to get rid of this, as the southern neighbour has proved to be a highly unreliable partner. In total, Canada has ordered 88 fighter jets, 16 of which have already been paid for. According to Blair, Canada is now looking at supplementing the rest of the fleet with aircraft of European make, such as the Swedish Saab Gripen. On Friday, Portugal preceded Canada in saying it no longer wants the F35, formerly known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Portugal's defence minister gave the unpredictable behaviour of US President Trump as the reason.

[Jimbuna]

I suspect others will follow but that begs the question, Does Two Tier Keir have the balls to fo;;ow as well?

[Dargo]

The Dutch will not follow, but then we are too much involved in this aircraft economical and basically a US air force in Europe.

[Dargo]

Türkiye’s bid to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets is advancing steadily, with the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence officially submitting a sales proposal to Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence. According to Turkish media reports citing sources, Türkiye’s defence ministry is now conducting a thorough review of the sales offer, a critical step in the procurement process. “We previously announced that an official document had been prepared regarding the acquisition of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to meet the operational demands of our air force. This document was submitted to the UK Ministry of Defence and the relevant manufacturer, with the expectation of receiving a counteroffer,” a source told Turkish media. “The anticipated offer has now reached our ministry, and the evaluation process is currently underway.” https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/t...-formal-offer/

[Jimbuna]

I'm sure we could dig up a few Spitfires if they want a wider choice

[Aktungbby]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Should never have retired the Spitfire

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

I'm sure we could dig up a few Spitfires if they want a wider choice

I'm in favor of Sopwith Camels myself....the overall 'wonder weapon' mentality(ala Hitler) against its cost and maintenance, incl. serious downtime as both a carrier and landbased aircraft guaranteed to achieve air supremacy in the coming WW III's two-front war against Russia and China causes me serious concern$.

[Ostfriese]

Originally Posted by Aktungbby

I'm in favor of Sopwith Camels myself....the overall 'wonder weapon' mentality(ala Hitler) against its cost and maintenance, incl. serious downtime as both a carrier and landbased aircraft guaranteed to achieve air supremacy in the coming WW III's two-front war against Russia and China causes me serious concern$.

I guess Sopwith Camels would be somewhat difficult to spot these days. They are small, have few metallic parts and a low power engine, both of which would make it surprisingly difficult to detect them on radar or on infrared. They are also quite slow, which would make them difficult to shoot at from a fast aircraft. And they fly at a relatively low altitude. They'd be an easy prey for ground based air defence, though, and they can only carry a small payload (but more than SpaceX's Starship!)

[mapuc]

Can't find anything on Denmarks plan on buying this F 35 If they have changed their mind or so. So far they have got 10 of them.

Looks like they are both blind and deaf or in deep love with this fighter jet.

Markus

[Buddahaid]

As much as I hate to admit it, at this juncture with the current US administration, it would benefit all NATO members to look for another EU based platform.

[Dargo]

We already have that choice with several European companies that all are build with NATO integration. Like with other equipment, they all can be used jointly because they all are build with NATO standardization.

[Aktungbby]

Originally Posted by Ostfriese

They'd be an easy prey for ground based air defence, though, and they can only carry a small payload (but more than SpaceX's Starship!)

...as the twin Spandau'd Ace of Aces Baron found out the hard way chasing one Sopwiith Camel with another on his 'six'; only to "buy the farm" laterally from a Lewis gunner on the ground near a beetfield....

[Catfish]

Originally Posted by Buddahaid

As much as I hate to admit it, at this juncture with the current US administration, it would benefit all NATO members to look for another EU based platform.

Yes, but Europe needs fighters in numbers now, not in 20+ years.

Also, as i heard the F35 electronic systems can be replaced, as a friend of mine working said "it is not that complicated, and we are quite good at it (...just like Israel)".