Spain refuses to purchase American F-35 fighter jets in favor of Eurofighter and the European FCAS system

 Spain has officially abandoned plans to purchase American-made F-35 fighter jets and will now focus on choosing between the European Eurofighter and the promising Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a representative of the country's Ministry of Defense said. This decision was the result of Madrid's strategy of prioritizing investments in the European defense industry, which makes the purchase of American aircraft economically and politically impractical.

In the 2023 budget, the Spanish government allocated about 6.25 billion euros for the purchase of new fighter jets, but in 2025 it increased defense spending and at the same time decided to allocate most of the funds (about 85% of the additional budget) to European-made projects. This means that the purchase of F-35s created by Lockheed Martin is now impossible. According to representatives of the ministry, preference will be given to either the existing Eurofighter, manufactured by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo, or the multifunctional FCAS system, developed jointly by France, Germany and Spain, which is due to enter service by 2040.

The abandonment of the F-35 will affect the plans of the Spanish Air Force and Navy: the Eurofighter will be used to replace the aging fleet of fighter jets, and FCAS is seen as a long-term next-generation solution. At the same time, the Spanish navy has a problem replacing the Harrier AV-8B fighters, since the F-35B was the only available platform with a shortened takeoff and vertical landing — there are no such alternatives now, which creates a potential gap in carrier aviation.

Spain's strategic decision to support European projects caused a negative reaction in the United States, where, in particular, former President Donald Trump threatened to impose additional customs duties on Spanish products due to Spain's refusal to increase military spending to 5% of GDP.

Thus, Spain is betting on strengthening European defense capabilities, focusing on joint production and technology development within the framework of European programs, despite the compromises and challenges associated with the abandonment of the most modern American fighter.

Germany throws fighter jets into Poland: Eurofighter on guard at the border with Belarus

Germany took a decisive step — five Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets landed at the Lask airbase, which is just a couple of hours east of Warsaw. This is not just another training transfer. The deployment took place just before the high-profile joint military exercises of Russia and Belarus, scheduled for September. And the signal that Berlin is sending is very clear: "We are with our allies, and we will not let you play out the scenario on our territory."

These five Typhoons are not just beautiful airplanes with German crosses on board. They are now part of the permanent grouping of German troops in Poland, which already includes two batteries of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as additional aircraft and technical support. In other words, we are talking about a full-fledged air group capable of both intercepting targets and covering its troops and allies in the event of an escalation.

A spokeswoman for the German Air Force bluntly stated: "This deployment is a clear signal of allied solidarity within NATO and a reliable means of deterrence and protection of the common airspace." Simply put, "we are here, we are together, and if someone does something wrong, they will be rebuffed."

The background for this step is the increasingly tense situation on the eastern flank of NATO. Russia and Belarus have announced large-scale joint exercises "Slavic Brotherhood" or "Zapad-2025" (the exact name has not yet been announced), which will be held on the territory of Belarus. According to the plans, tens of thousands of troops, tanks, aircraft, and possibly even missile systems will be involved there.

But Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are watching these maneuvers with concern. It's no secret that they are afraid: what if these exercises will become a cover for real aggression? Especially considering how Russia used the "exercises" before invading Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. There are fears that the troops who arrived "for the exercises" simply will not leave — and a new phase of the conflict will begin, already on the borders of NATO.

That is why Germany, as one of the key players in Europe and a member of NATO, decided not to wait. Placing a Eurofighter in a Weasel is not just a technical exercise. This is a demonstration of readiness for action. These fighters can intercept enemy aircraft, escort reconnaissance vehicles, and, if necessary— participate in combat operations. And the presence of Patriot adds a layer of defense: they are capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as aircraft.

In addition, Germany is showing that it is taking on more responsibility for the security of Eastern Europe. Previously, the United States and the Baltic countries had borne the brunt in this area. Now Berlin is clearly strengthening its presence — and this may be the beginning of a new strategy.

 Moscow continues to pump Belarus with troops and equipment, and the West will strengthen its position.

September will show what happens next. When the exercises of Russia and Belarus begin, it will be especially hot in the skies over Eastern Europe, both literally and figuratively.

Germany is going to dramatically increase its power: fighter jets, thousands of armored vehicles and the Merz dream army

 

Germany is preparing for a large—scale military breakthrough - and we are talking about multibillion-dollar purchases that could change the face of European defense. According to sources from the Reuters news agency, the country plans to buy:

- 20 new Eurofighter fighters,  

- up to 3,000 Boxer armored personnel carriers,  

- and up to 3,500 Patria infantry fighting vehicles.

This is not just an upgrade of the fleet, it is an attempt to build the most powerful land army in Europe. And the main architect of this idea is Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who wants Germany to stop depending on the United States and take on a serious role in ensuring security on the continent.

Why now? Because after Ukraine, rising tensions with Russia, and instability in transatlantic relations, more and more Europeans are wondering: will America come to the rescue if war breaks out? Merz thinks it's impossible to take risks. Germany must be ready to fight on its own, and for this we need a modern, mobile and well-armed army.

Boxer is a heavy armored vehicle capable of withstanding minefields and drone attacks. The Patria is a lighter but faster combat vehicle, ideal for quick maneuvers. And the Eurofighter are fifth—generation fighters that will cover all this ground power from the air.

Of course, all this will cost tens of billions of euros. But in Berlin they think it's better to pay now than to pay with blood later.

This plan is not just a military reform. This is a geopolitical signal: Germany no longer wants to be a passive player. She wants to be a force to be reckoned with, inside and outside NATO.