F-35s facing trust issues among Western allies

F-35s are the world's most advanced fighter jets. They can fly at speeds of 1,200 miles per hour and are almost invisible to radar. These planes have advanced surveillance systems and a powerful set of missiles. Lockheed Martin produces around 150 F-35s each year from its base in Texas. They have become essential for many Western air forces and bring billions back to the U.S. defense industry. However, trust between the U.S. and its allies is declining. Tensions have risen since Donald Trump suggested he could annex parts of other countries and had a fallout with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This uncertainty has made some countries question whether they can rely on the U.S. for support, even for the F-35s they have invested in. Some commentators are comparing the F-35s to Teslas. Both were once seen as the future until recent controversies affected their appeal. On a recent occasion, Trump suggested selling “toned-down” versions of fighter jets to allies, which raised new doubts about the reliability of U.S. defense programs. Allies are now worried about the support and parts needed to keep their F-35s operational. Countries like Canada and Portugal are reconsidering their plans to purchase the F-35s. Europe's confidence in American military equipment is shifting. Some nations are looking into alternatives like the French Dassault Rafale or the Eurofighter Typhoon. Analysts believe that France could benefit from this situation as trust in the U.S. defense programs wanes. Concerns also arise over rumors of a "kill switch" in F-35s, which could ground them if the U.S. chooses to cut ties. The Joint Programme Office for F-35s denies such claims. Still, skepticism remains among allies about the reliability of parts and software updates from the U.S. Despite rising worries, some countries continue to commit to the F-35 program, like Denmark and the Netherlands. The U.S. may also consider new partnerships in the Middle East if NATO countries pull back. The future of the F-35 remains unclear as trust issues grow, and nations weigh their options carefully.