F-35 Lightning II Fighter Production of the American company Lockheed Martin as a possible candidate for replacing the German Tornado aircraft can threaten the joint program of France, Germany and Spain to create a European fighter of the new generation, recognizes Defense News.
“This, in turn, is fraught not only by the failure of [European] program of creating a sixth generation aircraft, but also the defense-industrial ambitions of the European Union as a whole,” – approves the American edition.
The publications are wondering if the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) will be able to, in particular, the creation of a new fighter, coexist with the possible acquisition of Germany F-35 Lightning II aircraft. It is noted that the German industry in the face of Airbus Defense and Space is not interested in acquiring Germany from the USA F-35 Lightning II aircraft and achieves an equal partnership with French Dassault in the FCAS project.
In December 2021, US Air Forces for the first time constantly posted their fifth generation fighters F-35A Lightning II in Europe.
In September, in the presentation of the American Corporation, Lockheed Martin, represented at the 27th International Exhibition MSPO 2021, was described that in the current decade in Europe it is planned to deploy 13 permanent airbases with 450 aircraft F-35 Lightning II. According to the map shown in the appropriate slide, in the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Belgium and Poland will be two airbases with such fighters, whereas in Denmark – one. Four of 13 objects have already been commissioned. The deadlines for the start of the full work of the other eight airbases are installed. The final decision on the 13th object (near the Polish city of Sadvedin) has not yet been accepted.
These plans do not take into account the purchase of aircraft Switzerland and Finland.