European Security and the Significance of the F-35
European Security and the Significance of the F-35

Summary/Abstract: The introduction of the F-35 in the Air Force marks an important transition from fourth generation to fifth generation combat aircraft. It will become a key asset in Europe’s air defence and strike capabilities, as non-stealth platforms have very little chance of surviving the Russian threat posed by A2AD. The F-35 will become a critical “high demand-low density” asset, which makes it possible for NATO to carry out long-range precision strike missions as well as defensive or offensive counter-air missions in a contested environment. But the F-35 aircraft is much more than simply replacing a fighter aircraft with another. Its true significance is a strategic and political one, and it has to be analysed from the perspective of European security. And this perspective is worrying.

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