F-35: A Pricey Subscription Service or Military Might?

The F-35 fighter jet isn't just a weapon; it's a subscription service to the US-led defense ecosystem. Buying an F-35 entails not only a hefty upfront cost but also continuous reliance on the US for software updates, intelligence support, and maintenance. Strained relations with the US can result in these services being cut off, rendering the F-35 practically useless, as seen with Turkey. Some nations like Japan and Israel have sought greater autonomy by developing indigenous modifications and upgrades. The decision to purchase the F-35 forces a difficult trade-off between advanced military capabilities and strategic autonomy.