Portugal and Canada are studying alternatives to controversy American combat aircraft F-35The media recently reported. Michael Johansson, CEO of the Swedish company, confirmed, Media The Swedes study Portugal and Canada the possibility Buy JAS 39 influenza.
The news comes weeks after Nuno Milo, The Portuguese Defense Minister will be skeptical of buying US F-35A IIManufactured by Aerospace and US Defense Lockheed Martin.
His Canadian counterparts chanted this opinion and declared “Eurono after that” They made a review of the gas acquisitionA, but the contract was not canceled.
Anxiety About the F-35 is the fear that the “abolition key” key This may be useless, planes are combined on the plane, although there is no concrete evidence on this and that Lockheed Martin has refuted it. So,It is a Swedish manufacturing plane as an application for F-35? In negative case, is there any other European alternative that can be?
It is designed for different things
First, experts claim this E/F and F-35A II light Because it is “designed for different things.” Walter Qalaski, the former director of the NATO project, states that The main feature of SABB fighters Can they house a wide range of different weapons, including short, long missiles and grenades. This allows the inter -operation of the countries that buy influenza Customize it with the pieces and weapons that you already haveDe Ququsky.
“F-35 is similar to Fierrari and influenza like Honda Civic,” Kolesky explained, adding that Find alternative pieces for one of 150,000 pieces of influenza easier than F-35. “You can’t fix Ferrari on the side of the road … but perhaps you can repair Honda Civic.”
For example, Saab states on its website that the bsil contract that has been transferred also includes a Transfer knowledge to Brazilian companies that will help the country to “develop, produce and maintain fighters up to 40 years The Swedish teams are not needed to make updates.
Andrew Erzen, a researcher at the Peace and Diplomacy Institute (IPD), said that F-35a Lighttening II, similar to what Americans believe is “the ideal combat plane according to Americans.”
NoseLeave up to 2,400 km/h compared to 1900 km/h from F-35. Philippine can also fly in missions and have more fuel capacity.
Influenza is also less expensive than F-35Kowalski added, with a The estimated operating cost Between $ 4,700 (4.135 euros) And $ 7,000 (6,159 euros) timeCompared to $ 33,000 (26,391 euros) at $ 40,000 (35,188 euros) at the time of F35.
The influenza is ready for a new task in 20 minutesWhile F-35 needs 3 hours. But when the flu is ready to leave, its load is less, which means that it can carry less heavy weapons than the F-35. What you have F-35 is a “system system” that makes it hidden and cannot be discovered practically For radar systems, Erstin added.
“F-35 has Complex computer programs that need many sensors and many radar overlap and Many electronic warfare capabilitiesHe said: If a country is looking for an unjust fishing plane, then the influenza “is not the golden standard” for this type of task, as Kawalisi added.
How is America every hunt?
Erskine and Kowalski agree that another important consideration for countries is the “America” degree of their fighters. The regulation of international arms traffic (ITO) allows the United States Most F-35 componentsFor example.
According to Arickin, this also means that the European countries that wish to do so F-35 pieces They must deal directly with The American administration in the service, without “any other method” to obtain it.
So, It means buying F-35a Lightcening II that the country is investing in a “high-cost plane with very complex logistics This is largely dependent on being a friend of the American administration in the service. “
propagandaIn addition, this is calculated The influenza consists of 30 % with US piecesErzkin explained that technological patents will be under US control.
One of the most surprising examples is that the effect F404 Engine F414, manufactured by Volvo But with the design of the American manufacturer General Electric, the Swedes were updated in 2023.
system Biological support for the planeN, whose pilots help stay in the event of an emergency, as it is a backup oxy North Carolina state.
If the main anxiety is to avoid any effect on the American administration, Qawaski said that French Dassault Rafale F4 is the closest hunting on the market That has a very little participation in the US government.
propagandaRafale F4 is “very balanced” He added that because of his easy transition from land operations to that list on aircraft carriers, and the ease of maintenance and good ghost, which makes them useful for many types of missions.
However, Qalaski said Dassault – thus the French government – faces many obstacles If you want to market your plane as aircraft, you have not received any effect from Americans.
“When it sells countries like Egypt, Qatar, India, the United Arab Emirates, etc., it is accustomed to American components and regimes,” he explained. “This is what they want … and the customer is always in this sense.”
Think from here to 25 years
Kowalski warns European countries against rethinking F-35 in their fleets They are thinking about the “next 25 years” of their national security. “Raise your hand and shade the current administration and say … we will stop investing in our national security, it will not seem logical to me,” he said.
propagandainstead of, It is advised that the European Union countries “reach an agreement” in Washington, DC To find a “consistent and fair and strategic” fair and strategic solution.
As for Erzkin, the question is as follows: “Will Trump end when Trump ends?” “I mean, if we look at your vice president, JD Vance, it seems very prepared to integrate some Trumpia elements (If you reach the presidency), whether it is protectionist diplomacy or transactions for President Trump.
Ercekin said that Europe should combine an alliance participating technologyand Critical pieces of combat aircraft Y Supply chains To end this dependence on American technologies. “What we need to see is more strategic expectations,” he said.
