Why would anyone buy it then?

onepointsixC · on Jan 31, 2020

Because it's the most capable multi role modern fighter in production and at less than 80M[1] it's cheaper than any other modern western jet fighter.

ceejayoz · on Jan 31, 2020

Being in and expecting to remain in a close alliance with the United States, presumably?

goatinaboat · on Jan 31, 2020

You should research Turkey, the main European servicing hub for F35 engines, and also a buyer of SAMs from Russia.

The world is more complicated now than the (relatively) simple alliances of the Cold War.

ceejayoz · on Jan 31, 2020

The point is that that rapid fracturing was unexpected.

No one really thought Trump and Brexit would happen, and Turkey was looking like it might join the EU.

The problems with “we’re all besties forever!” are clear now, but that’s hindsight.

Scarblac · on Jan 31, 2020

But "expecting to remain" is highly problematic these days, given the US' current leadership.