Spain has announced it will not acquire the US-manufactured F-35 fighter jets, choosing to pursue European-made aircraft instead, as reported by El Pais and confirmed by the defense ministry. The move stems from tensions over defense spending, with the US pushing for a 5% GDP allocation, a request Spain has declined. Previously, the country considered buying up to 50 F-35s with a dedicated €6.25 billion budget. Spain now plans to direct an extra €10.5 billion in defense spending toward European options, especially the Eurofighter and FCAS aircraft, due to ongoing disagreements with the US on defense funding expectations.
