Spain scraps F-35 purchase in favor of European defense investments

 Spain has shelved plans to acquire U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, El País reported on Wednesday, citing government sources.

The decision reflects Madrid’s commitment to investing 85% of its defense budget in European industry to meet NATO's 2% GDP spending target.

Spain had initially intended to order around 50 F-35s to replace older aircraft, including AV-8B Harriers. In 2023, $6.25 billion was allocated for the program, but changing priorities led to its cancellation.