Macron Proposes Replacing F-35 and Patriot with European Alternatives

In an interview with Le Parisien, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed replacing American-made arms with European alternatives.

“Those purchasing Patriot systems should be offered the next-generation Franco-Italian SAMP/T. Those buying F-35s should be offered the Rafale fighter aircraft,” he stated.

On March 14th, President Macron reportedly convened a meeting with representatives of key French arms manufacturers.

The meeting included major defense firms such as Safran, Thales, Naval Group, Dassault, and KNDS.

Representatives of 4,000 small and medium-sized defense enterprises also attended the meeting.

French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci also emphasized the government’s reliance on manufacturers to scale up production.

Refusals from the F-35

Previously, Nuno Melo, Portugal’s Defense Minister, announced that the country was excluding the purchase of F-35 fighter jets, citing concerns over the unpredictability of U.S. policies and the current geopolitical climate.

Melo emphasized that although the Portuguese Air Force’s F-16 fighter jets were approaching the end of their service life, it was essential to assess options that ensured greater predictability and operational safety.

He noted that European-made combat aircraft were considered as an alternative to purchasing F-35s.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Canada is reconsidering the purchase of F-35s amid tensions with the United States, even though payment for the first 16 aircraft has already been made.

Canada is already actively considering potential alternatives to the American F-35 and plans to hold talks with other aircraft manufacturers.