Published Date: March 15, 2025 ✍️ Author: Global World Citizen News Team 🌍 Source: GlobalWorldCitizen.com
Shifting Alliances: NATO Countries Question U.S. Reliability on Defense
The U.S. F-35 stealth fighter, once considered the backbone of NATO’s air defense strategy, is now facing growing skepticism among key allies. Canada and Portugal have signaled interest in alternative fighter jets, citing geopolitical instability and concerns over the United States’ shifting foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
As Trump pushes forward with a trade war, expresses skepticism about NATO, and suggests Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, some allies are reassessing their military reliance on American hardware.
Canada Reassesses $13 Billion F-35 Deal
Canada had previously committed to purchasing 88 F-35 fighter jets under a $13 billion deal signed in 2023. However, amid escalating political tensions, Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair revealed that the government is actively exploring alternative options.
“The prime minister has asked me to examine alternative sources, particularly where we might have the opportunity to assemble these fighter jets in Canada,” Blair stated in an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
Canada has already committed funding for the first 16 aircraft, scheduled for delivery next year. The government may consider Saab’s Gripen fighter, a European alternative to the F-35, particularly if it offers local manufacturing opportunities. Canadian officials stress that the F-35 contract hasn’t been canceled yet, but the government is reassessing whether it aligns with national defense priorities.
This review coincides with Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs on Canada, sparking public outrage and fueling boycotts of American products.
Portugal Weighs Its Options
Portugal’s Air Force initially recommended the F-35 as its next-generation fighter jet, but outgoing Defense Minister Nuno Melo expressed concerns about U.S. unpredictability in global security matters.
“The recent U.S. stance on NATO and international geopolitics makes us reconsider our options. The predictability of our allies is a crucial factor,” Melo told the Portuguese publication Público.
Portugal is evaluating whether reliance on the U.S. for fighter jets could lead to operational limitations in maintenance, parts supply, and deployment. Melo suggested that under current U.S. leadership, European nations may need to rethink their long-term defense investments.
Trump’s NATO Skepticism Raises Alarm in Europe
Since taking office, Trump has repeatedly questioned NATO’s purpose, criticizing member states for not spending enough on defense.
Trump’s controversial remarks: “If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them. No, I’m not going to defend them,” Trump said last week in the Oval Office. The U.S. halted military aid to Ukraine, forcing European allies to ramp up military spending to compensate for a potential security vacuum. Trump’s trade war with Europe, along with his warming relations with Russia, has prompted concerns about the reliability of the U.S. security umbrella.
In response, the European Union is accelerating its own military buildup, preparing for a world where the U.S. may no longer be a dependable security partner.
NATO’s Future in Question
The trans-Atlantic alliance has been rocked by recent developments, including Trump’s heated exchanges with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The uncertainty surrounding U.S. policy has placed additional pressure on NATO members as they reevaluate their military commitments.
David Roche, President of Quantum Strategy, told CNBC: “NATO is dead. Trump’s distancing from allies is reshaping global security dynamics.”
Key Geopolitical Shifts: Russia and China stand to benefit as Western alliances weaken. Global South nations may drift further into China’s sphere of influence. U.S. credibility in international defense agreements is eroding.
According to Roche, “The biggest loser is actually the U.S., because no one will trust an American treaty again.”
What’s Next?
Canada and Portugal’s reconsideration of the F-35 program signals a larger European shift away from U.S.-dominated defense procurement. NATO countries may look to European or domestic alternatives for their future air force needs. The EU’s independent military expansion could mark the beginning of a major shift in global defense alliances.
As NATO nations seek strategic alternatives, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of transatlantic military cooperation.
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