The purchase of American F-35 fighter jets by several European countries has sparked a heated debate about the continent’s ability to operate these aircraft independently, without the supervision of the United States. This concern has been fueled by the fear of a rift in security matters between Europe and the Trump administration. The European Commission has urged member states to increase their spending on military equipment, given the new US policy aligned with Russia in the Ukrainian conflict. One of the most pressing issues is that a significant portion of European arsenals are comprised of American military equipment, including the iconic F-35 stealth fighter.
Developed by the US company Lockheed Martin, this fifth-generation fighter will be integrated into the armies of ten European countries in the coming years. Germany approved the purchase of 35 units two years ago, while Belgium will receive 34, Denmark has bought 27 F-35s, and Italy has 90 American stealth aircraft. However, this apparent technological modernization conceals a significant dependence on Washington. Retired French general and MEP Christophe Gomart, former head of the French Military Intelligence Directorate, recently stated that the F-35s could be grounded if the US decided to block their use. “If the US were to attack Greenland, no European country could launch their F-35s to defend it, because they have a blocking system if the flight plan doesn’t suit the Pentagon,” Gomart said in an interview, reigniting the debate on the vulnerability of European defensive capabilities.
According to Gomart, “countries that possess US-made equipment won’t be able to use them without US consent. That’s why the Egyptians bought the French Rafale after the US prohibited them from using their F-16s in Libya.” This highlights the vulnerability generated by this dependence. Although other military experts qualify the possibility of a total shutdown, they acknowledge that losing the encryption keys or interrupting the supply of spare parts would greatly hinder the maintenance and operability of these aircraft. Furthermore, the armament carried by the F-35s also comes mainly from the US industry, increasing dependence.
European Dependence on US Military Equipment
This situation exposes the difficulties in achieving true European military autonomy, precisely when the European Union seeks to reduce its reliance on US protection. While countries like France and Sweden are investing in developing their own fighters, such as the Rafale and Gripen, respectively, most European partners have opted to rely on American technology, with the strategic consequences that come with it. The creation of a European fifth-generation fighter or the strengthening of programs like the Eurofighter, in which Spain, Germany, Italy, and the UK participate, could be the first steps towards a genuinely autonomous defense in the future.
Retreat of US Troops from Europe
Regarding the possible withdrawal of US troops from Europe due to Trump’s isolationist policy, Gomart expressed skepticism: “Europe is a market for the Americans. They sell us around 65% of our military equipment. I don’t think they’re interested in abandoning NATO, as it would affect their commercial interests.” The general also advocated for greater European strategic autonomy, with a more Europeanized NATO where command does not depend exclusively on the US. “What matters is not the nationality of the commander, but the ability of states to work together under common structures,” he stated.
German Military Capabilities
Gomart was critical of the German army, highlighting that despite having good equipment, it lacks real operational experience: “It’s an army that has primarily participated in logistics and health, not combat.” The general concluded with a warning about Russia’s capacity for resistance in the Ukrainian conflict: “We’ve been saying for three years that Russia will exhaust itself, but they’ve entered a war economy. They continue to produce tanks and ammunition, while their population accepts sacrifices with greater tolerance than ours.” This raises concerns about the preparedness of European countries to face potential threats from Russia.
In light of these concerns, the European Union must reassess its military strategy and consider developing its own defense capabilities, rather than relying heavily on American equipment. This could involve investing in European-made fighters, strengthening programs like the Eurofighter, and promoting greater cooperation between member states. By doing so, the EU can reduce its dependence on the US and enhance its ability to respond to security threats in a rapidly changing world.
