Spain Suspends Purchase of F-35 Fighter Jets

🔴 Madrid aims to reduce its defense dependence on the United States.

Spain has indefinitely postponed its plans to acquire F-35 Lightning II fighter jets manufactured by American defense company Lockheed Martin. According to Spanish newspaper El País, which cited government sources, the decision was made as the country shifts its defense budget priorities toward European projects.

Instead of the €6.25 billion originally allocated in the 2023 budget for renewing the air fleet, most of the additional €10.5 billion defense budget is now being directed toward the sixth-generation fighter jet project FCAS (Future Combat Air System), jointly developed with France and Germany.

Officials state that this move aligns with the European Union’s policy of strengthening strategic defense autonomy and reducing military reliance on the United States.