Spain has indefinitely scrapped plans to acquire US-made F-35 jets, opting instead for the Eurofighter and the Franco-German Future Combat Air System. This decision reflects a growing trend among nations like Canada, Switzerland, and India, which are reassessing their commitments to the F-35 program amid concerns about the aircraft’s reliability. Recent incidents, including a crash in California and a stranded UK F-35B in Kerala, have further fueled skepticism about the jet’s performance. As countries explore alternatives, India’s focus on indigenous development and diversification of its defense procurement could strengthen its strategic position in the evolving global defense landscape.