Spain has formally rejected the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II for its Air and Space Force and the Spanish Navy. As per Breaking Defense, the nation is instead focusing on European alternatives for the future of its air defense fleet. This comes as Spain has pledged to invest 85% of its defense budget into European products, which was viewed as incompatible with purchasing the American-made jet , as per The Aviationist.

The F-35 was viewed as a potential replacement for the Spanish Navy's current fleet of Harrier jump jets. The Harriers are expected to be retired by 2030, and this recent decision could leave Spain without a direct replacement. Spain has ordered Eurofighter Typhoons; however, these are not capable of operating off aircraft carriers.

Dropping The Lockheed Martin

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