F-35 operators have been touting how the aircraft is strengthening allied deterrence in Europe, where allies face threats not seen in a generation.
“The F-35 has been one of the most effective integration tools for NATO since the end of the Cold War,” emphasised Gen. James Hecker, Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa.
Shortly thereafter, American F-35As deployed to safeguard NATO’s eastern flank, integrating allies and partners as a show of force against external adversaries.
The Czech Republic recently formalised plans to procure F-35s, joining the growing number of NATO allies operating the 5th Gen jet.
“The F-35 is the only one with which we can stand on the battlefields of the future and which will also be a guarantee that, if necessary, we can effectively defend ourselves together with our allies against external aggression,” said Czech Army Lt. Gen. Karel Řehka.
By 2030, more than 600 F-35s are expected to be operational in Europe.
Quick, someone tell the experts it’s a disaster of a program!
N is not here at present.
ha ha – he must be on vacation ! 😉
600 F35’s in Europe. Not in Russias wildest fantasies could it hope to build an Airforce 10% as strong.
Bravo Zulu to that
There are @ 138 in service in early 2024 with UK, Italy, Norway, Denmark and Netherlands. All other planned users have yet to receive a single aircraft. Whatever else it might be, this is a very slow programme.
It is curious that three big buyers of the F35, two of which also have the F35A variant, have joined forces on the Tempest programme. It is hard to believe that Tempest will be more affordable so what deficiency in the F35 is it meant to address?
Perhaps the issue is that the supplier is obsessed with the needs of one client to the detriment of the rest.😂
Automous operation
I have to wonder how an F35 vs F35 would go?
I see on Navalnews that Lockheed Martin is showing off its new Mako hypersonic missile for F-35.