The potential impact of US tariffs on the F-35A
The F-35 features advanced stealth capabilities. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The Trump administration’s proposed tariffs have raised questions on the desirability and feasibility of the F-35A for key US allies including Canada and Switzerland. With combined orders amounting to 126 units, both nations undertook reviews of their ongoing fighter programmes.
The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft with CTOL capabilities. It is a multinational programme led by the US Department of Defense (DoD), bringing together the US Air Force (USAF), US Marine Corps (USMC), US Navy (USN) and seven partner nations: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and the UK.
Since the start of the Trump administration and its associated tariffs, F-35 deals were called into question by governments across the globe, particularly by Canada and Switzerland. Nonetheless, as the end of the year approaches, concerns seem to have been quelled, and orders remain in place
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