Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Spain Dumps US Stealth Jet for European Aircraft
Spain has decided to change its plans for buying new fighter jets.
Instead of getting the F-35, a high-tech plane from the US, they will use European-made planes.
This change is partly due to disagreements with the US about how much Spain spends on its military.
The decision also involves using planes from a European project.
Some people in Spain are questioning this choice and want to know more about why it was made.
They previously considered buying the F-35.
Spain will replace its current fighter jets with European aircraft, foregoing US-made F-35s.
The decision involves the existing Eurofighter and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a joint European program.
This shift follows criticism from Donald Trump over Spain's military spending.
Spain's opposition party is seeking clarification from the defense minister regarding the decision.
Spain previously considered the F-35, which serves as a mainstay of Western air forces, for its future fleet.
- Who
- The Spanish government, the opposition People’s Party, and Donald Trump.
- What
- Spain is opting to use European aircraft instead of US-made F-35s for its fighter jet fleet.
- When
- The decision was made recently.
- Where
- Spain
- Why
- Reflects worsening defense ties with the US, Trump's criticism over military spending, and a shift towards European defense programs.
Spanish Government
US/F-35 Supporters
Defense Procurement
Spanish Government
Prioritizing European defense programs and potentially distancing itself from US defense priorities.
US/F-35 Supporters
Prioritizing US defense relationships and the capabilities of the F-35 jet.
- Aircraft to be used
- Eurofighter and Future Combat Air System (FCAS)
- Previous consideration
- F-35
- Joint European program
- FCAS
- Criticism source
- Donald Trump
- Opposition Party
- People's Party
