The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is undeniably one of the most advanced combat aircraft to ever enter the skies, and its presence alone can drastically raise the level of military might that an organization can bring to the battlefield. As of 2025, more than 20 countries operate the aircraft or have outstanding orders for the model . Furthermore, the aircraft has been one of the most important financial investments made by American defense giant Lockheed Martin , and the continued success of the program will undeniably be crucial to the company's financial prospects .
Get all the latest aviation news from Simple Flying! However, over the past few months, geopolitical challenges have drastically changed the status of the F-35 Lightning II. An aircraft that was once the ultimate symbol of multinational collaboration across NATO countries and the key to the alliance's future security has morphed into a political tool, one which has been used as a bargaining chip between European nations and Donald Trump. The US President's recent rhetoric surrounding Ukraine and the role that the US should play in European defense has alarmed European nations .
Major players on the continent, especially Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, have been quick to announce a massive increase in defense spending, with an emphasis on supporting European defense contractors like Airbus Defense, BAE Systems, Leonardo and Thales, all of which have seen share prices rise rapidly. Donald Trum.
