France proposed to gradually replace US F-35 and Patriot with European weapons
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European countries to choose alternatives to US weapons systems and support their own defence industry.
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In an interview with Le Parisien, he stressed that instead of the US Patriot anti-aircraft systems, the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defence system should be offered, and the Rafale should be promoted as an alternative to the F-35 fighter jets.
The Rafale fighter jet. Illustration: Dessault Aviation
His statement came after a meeting on 14 March with representatives of leading French defence companies such as Safran, Thalès, Naval Group, Dassault and KNDS. The meeting was also attended by representatives of more than four thousand small and medium-sized defence companies. The French government wants to rely on them to increase the production of military equipment.
Against the backdrop of these developments, a number of European countries are also considering the possibility of abandoning the US F-35. Portuguese Defence Minister Nuno Melo has already stated that due to the unpredictability of US policy and the geopolitical situation, Lisbon is considering European combat aircraft as an alternative to the F-35 to replace the aging F-16.
Canada is also reconsidering its purchase of American fighters, despite having already paid for the first 16 aircraft. The government is exploring alternatives amid tense relations with the US and is preparing for negotiations with other manufacturers.
Source: Le Parisien
