Airbus Defense & Space chairman Thomas Pretzl has called on Germany’s new government to cancel its order for 35 Lockheed Martin F-35A jets, citing geopolitical risks under US President Donald Trump. Speaking at Airbus’s Manching facility, Pretzl urged Berlin to prioritize European defense projects, particularly the Eurofighter. Germany’s procurement plan also includes US-made Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters and P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, raising concerns about dependency on American systems. Pretzl emphasized the need to accelerate Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), warning that current timelines are insufficient to address emerging threats. His remarks reflect growing European discussions about reducing reliance on US defense technology and fostering independent military capabilities.
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