Instead of F-35, Portugal turns to Europe in search of new fighter - Air Data News
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The Portuguese Air Force is no longer expected to acquire the 5th generation F-35 fighter from Lockheed Martin, all due to the review of the US position

The Portuguese Air Force is no longer expected to acquire the 5th generation F-35 fighter from Lockheed Martin, all due to the review of the US position towards NATO.

    • Denixen@feddit.nuEnglish
      241·
      11 hours ago

      Uses a license produced engine from US (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_RM12), which has caused endless problems in exports for SAAB, since the US blocks them frequently when they are about to win a contract.

      I would go for Rafale or Eurofighter and I am saying this as a swede. We need to replace the engines ASAP. Perhaps a UK, German or French one. Would probably take years to develop thought and likely a significant overhaul will be necessary.

      • ubergeek@lemmy.todayEnglish
        203·
        11 hours ago

        Well, an easier fix is to just keep using the engine design, and stop paying the license fees.

        What is the US gonna do? Stop supporting NATO? Put tariffs on exports to the EU? Stop being an ally, and ally themselves with Russia?

            • prettybunnys@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
              4·
              8 hours ago

              Sure.

              The USA is like 60% of NATO forces.

              So this would more likely lead to the dissolution of NATO.

              The point I was making is that the adults in the room would probably prefer to not kick the hornets nest despite preparing for the worst if the hornets nest kicks off.

              • ubergeek@lemmy.todayEnglish
                31·
                8 hours ago

                The hornet nest is already kicked up… And the US is 60% of NATO right NOW. Which means Europe needs to bolster themselves. And its easier to do that without handing over half a billion bucks for nothing.

                Just ignore it. Trump ignores contracts all the time. At worst? He’d just put more tariffs on the EU, because he knows not a single general will launch a war in Europe.

          • Regrettable_incident@lemmy.worldEnglish
            7·
            10 hours ago

            Yeah, I think it’s best to treat the US these days like a dangerous dog you meet in an alley - don’t make eye contact and back slowly away.