The F35 doesn’t necessarily has to be operated via systems in the US, only if you don’t buy the proprietary terminals to program its flight-Mission systems. Israel for example has bought the entire package including terminals and they are able to operate the jets without US involvements. EU countries however of course chose the cheap option without terminals.
I was talking about the Gripen regarding spares.
The F35 doesn’t necessarily has to be operated via systems in the US, only if you don’t buy the proprietary terminals to program its flight-Mission systems. Israel for example has bought the entire package including terminals and they are able to operate the jets without US involvements. EU countries however of course chose the cheap option without terminals.
Israel is the only buyer to be permitted to run its own software.