Politico: Allies push back on Trump’s tariffs, threatening US F-35 sales

Several US allies are reconsidering major defence purchases amid escalating trade tensions under President Donald Trump, raising concerns for American arms makers.

Spain recently scrapped its multibillion-dollar plan to buy F-35 fighter jets following disputes with Washington over NATO’s 5 per cent defence spending target. Switzerland is also under pressure to reconsider its F-35 deal, while there are reports of India pausing purchases of US combat vehicles after tariffs on Indian goods doubled, Caliber.Az reports via Politico. 

“These moves — all made in the past two weeks — show the potential consequences of Trump’s economic actions as they reverberate through allied capitals,” industry analysts say.

The F-35, built by Lockheed Martin, is particularly vulnerable due to its global supply chain. Big overseas orders help keep costs down, and any cancellations or delays could raise prices for all buyers. Spain’s and Switzerland’s combined F-35 orders were worth about $15 billion.

Spain’s decision could shift billions toward the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Franco-German Future Combat Air System. Spanish officials cited the need for industrial sovereignty, stronger European supply chains, and “more reliable partners.” According to a senior EU official, “For Sánchez, it’s just very convenient to play Trump’s victim.”

In Switzerland, political opposition to the 36-jet purchase has intensified after US tariffs reached 39 percent. A government review is underway, with a decision expected in November. Swiss officials warn that inflation, higher raw material costs, and customs duties could add as much as $1.6 billion to the deal.

Other prospective buyers, including Portugal, have delayed decisions amid doubts over US reliability. Lockheed Martin emphasised that “Foreign military sales are government-to-government transactions, and this matter is best addressed by the US or country governments.”

The White House defended Trump’s tariffs, arguing they benefit US arms makers.

“President Trump has done more to support America’s military industrial base than any president in decades — including by selling American-made weapons to NATO allies, which will generate billions of dollars for American companies,” said White House spokesperson Kush Desai.

While short-term production may not be affected, analysts warn that sustained losses of foreign buyers could push F-35 prices higher.

“Even if there’s a new administration, Republican or Democrat, that wants to repair all this horrible damage, it’s going to take a long time to recover trust,” said Richard Aboulafia of AeroDynamic Advisory.

India’s reported pullback highlights the global reach of the tensions. Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall noted, “Slapping those huge tariffs on India is going to have very negative impacts on the relationship.”

The disputes underscore growing resistance to US protectionist policies and are fueling European ambitions for greater defence self-reliance, though officials caution that a full shift away from US-made weapons would take time.

By Sabina Mammadli