UK moves ahead with US fighter jet purchase despite European concerns

Despite growing concerns across Europe, the UK is pushing forward with a multi-billion-pound deal to purchase US-made F-35 fighter jets, instead of opting for the “expensive” Eurofighter Typhoons.

The move comes amid warnings from European countries, particularly Germany, about the potential risks posed by President Donald Trump’s control over the aircraft. There were fears that Trump could activate a “kill switch,” grounding the F-35s on a whim, but the US has denied such a mechanism exists, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Unite, one of the UK's largest unions, has voiced concerns over the purchase. “Buying American aircraft could leave the UK in a situation where ‘Trump wakes up in a bad mood and locks us out of using our own fighter jets,’” warned Sharon Graham, the union's general secretary. However, British military leaders are confident that, as a level one partner in the F-35 program, the UK would have enough control to operate the aircraft independently from the US.

“We spent a lot of time and money being a level one partner on the F-35,” said a defence source. “I would not be so relaxed if I were Danish.”

Britain’s shortage of fighter jets, caused by the retirement of Eurofighter Typhoons, has made the F-35 purchase crucial. The UK has already received 37 of the 48 F-35B variants, designed for short take-off from aircraft carriers, and is considering acquiring more F-35A models, which are designed for standard runways.

The UK’s defence strategy may also involve integrating American nuclear bombs into its fleet, as RAF Lakenheath is undergoing upgrades for this purpose. The F-35A is certified to carry B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bombs.

While critics argue the purchase could harm domestic production jobs, particularly those tied to the Typhoon, the UK government believes the F-35’s advanced capabilities, including its stealth features, make it the best choice to combat Russian air defences.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman affirmed, “The UK is leading Typhoon export campaigns to other nations, and we continue to work on upgrading the RAF’s existing Typhoons.”

By Vafa Guliyeva