Why the US blocks some allies from buying the Lockheed Martin F-35

The United States does not sell its most advanced fighter jet to everyone who asks. Even close allies have been blocked from buying the Lockheed Martin F-35, despite having money, pilots, and military need.

The F-35 was built with allies in mind. Countries like the United Kingdom helped develop it, and British firm BAE Systems contributes about 15% of every jet. Still, Washington limits who can own it.

U.S. officials say the main reasons are to protect secret technology and to keep Israel’s military edge in the Middle East under the US-Israel Strategic Partnership Act.

Technology Security and Huawei 5G Risks

One major concern is foreign technology. The US fears that systems like China’s Huawei 5G networks or Russia’s S-400 missile system could collect data from the stealth jet.

That fear has shaped policy worldwide. In 2020, the US warned the United Kingdom it would not deploy more F-35s unless Huawei was removed. The UK later banned Huawei, ordering all equipment removed by 2027.

Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia were also flagged due to Chinese technology in their networks.

Turkey’s $1.4 billion fallout

Turkey’s case remains the most dramatic. An original partner in the F-35 program, Turkey planned to buy 100 jets and even built parts for the aircraft. Turkish pilots trained in the US, and the first jets were completed.

But after Turkey bought Russia’s S-400 missile system, Washington removed Ankara from the program in 2019. Turkey had already paid $1.4 billion.

The US feared the Russian system could gather data on the F-35 and pass it to Moscow. Turkey now plans to buy F-16 Block 70 jets, is negotiating for Eurofighter Typhoons, and is building its own stealth fighter, the TAI Kaan.

Middle East and Asia left waiting

The UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have all requested the F-35. Provisional deals under the Trump administration collapsed over concerns about China and Israel’s military balance.

In Asia, trusted allies like Japan and Australia operate the jet. But Thailand have been denied over Thailand’s ties with China. Taiwan’s request has long been blocked due to fears of provoking Beijing and reports of thousands of Chinese spies on the island.

Read more on Six facts about the F-35 fighter jet Saudi Arabia wants to buy from U.S.