Germany worries that Trump may cut off support for F-35

A source in the defense sector, speaking to Handelsblatt, urged not to panic and called it unlikely that the US would cut support and put the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) at risk.

"In that case, we can fly the F-35s until we run out of spare parts or the aircraft require system upgrades," the source told the publication.

Handelsblatt reminds that Lockheed Martin had previously encountered issues with the software for the F-35 fighter jets. This led to delays in the delivery of aircraft to Denmark, Norway, and Belgium.

Johann Wadephul, deputy head of the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) faction in the Bundestag, told Handelsblatt that the bloc has no intention of canceling the F-35 contract.

However, his fellow party member, Bundestag deputy Ingo Gädechens, believes that the issue needs to be examined more closely.

"Can the American weapon systems that we purchased for the Bundeswehr be simply turned off by an impulsive decision from Donald Trump? Of course, this must not be allowed, and therefore, this issue needs to be seriously addressed now," the deputy said.

US aid to Ukraine paused

As a reminder, the US has suspended military aid to Ukraine. In addition, the US has canceled Ukraine's access to intelligence data.

According to reports from Western media and officials, the UK, France, and other European partners continue to provide Ukraine with intelligence, but their capabilities are more limited.

Analysts note that the suspension of access to intelligence could negatively impact the front line, particularly Ukraine's ability to conduct long-range strikes.

For more on whether Ukraine’s air defense can counter enemy attacks without the US, read the full article by RBC-Ukraine.