According to a recent report on the website of the German Economic Weekly, should we continue to order F-35 fighter jets or look for alternatives? Given the current discussions, some NATO countries are reconsidering the multi billion dollar contract they signed with Lockheed Martin of the United States. What alternative models can be considered? What capabilities do these alternative models have? The F-35 from Lockheed Martin is considered the most modern fighter jet in the world. This type of stealth fighter can strike ground and aerial targets. In addition, the F-35 is currently the only fighter jet capable of carrying nuclear bombs deployed by the United States at the Bicher Air Force Base in Germany. The discussion on replacing the F-35 was sparked by concerns about the reliability of the United States as a defense partner. Washington's influence on European weapons programs has also been criticized. In recent days, rumors have been circulating about the F-35 having a "lethal switch" - it is said that the F-35 fighter jet can be remotely shut down with just the press of a button. The US Department of Defense denied this rumor in a statement. Last week, Portugal and Canada publicly questioned whether they should stick to the F-35 procurement plan. Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair announced that he will study alternative solutions and engage in dialogue with other manufacturers. Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo told the Portuguese newspaper "Public" that Portugal is more inclined to purchase European made jet fighters: "The latest statements from the US government regarding NATO and the international situation have prompted us to reconsider our choices." Canada ordered a total of 88 F-35 fighter jets in 2023, with a total price exceeding $13.2 billion. Portugal originally planned to purchase 24 fighter jets of this type. Germany ordered 35 stealth fighter jets of this type in 2022, at a cost of approximately 10.8 billion US dollars. These fighter jets will be used to replace the outdated "Whirlwind" fighter bombers of the German Air Force. The first batch of 6 aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in 2026. What are the alternatives to the F-35? The Swedish manufacturer Saab Group's "Eagle Lion" fighter jet is one of them. This is a single engine multi-purpose fighter jet, and compared to other modern multi-purpose fighters, the purchase, maintenance, and usage costs of the "Eagle Lion" are relatively low. It can take off on simple short runways and be quickly put into use even in cold temperatures. However, its maximum mounting capacity is only 5.3 tons - not as good as the F-35's 8.1 tons. In addition, the "Eagle Lion" also relies on American technology: the newer E and F models use General Electric engines. Therefore, in order to export this type of fighter jet, a re export permit issued by the United States is required. The Rafale fighter jet produced by Dassault Aviation in France is also under consideration. The Rafale fighter jet uses dual engines and is almost entirely developed domestically. France has used this type of fighter jet in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, and Syria. In recent years, Dassault Systemes has received some major orders, such as the purchase contract for 80 fighter jets signed with the United Arab Emirates. Compared with the Swedish "Eagle Lion" fighter jet, the "Rafale" can carry weapons weighing up to 9.5 tons, including nuclear weapons, and therefore has special strategic significance for France. In addition, it is the only aircraft among several alternative models specifically designed for aircraft carrier takeoff and landing, and therefore can also be used for naval missions. The modernized version of the Rafale F5 standard, planned to enter service from the 2030s, will have the ability to collaborate with combat drones and carry hypersonic missiles. In addition, there is the KF-21 "Falcon" fighter jet from Korea Aerospace Industries. The KF-21 fighter is a twin engine multi-purpose fighter that can carry up to 7.7 tons of weapons. Compared to the F-35, the KF-21 has lower prices and maintenance costs. More than 60% of the technology for the KF-21 fighter jet comes from domestic production lines. However, this fighter jet also uses American engines, so its export requires approval from the United States. (New Society)