I still don't see how they're gaining independence when they're still following NATO requirements which are mostly controlled and set by the US, and furthermore they're buying US military equipment making them more reliant on the US, contradicting the statement that countries are reducing their reliance on US MIC.
But maybe you're right, that this might be a 4D chess move and they'll replace their F35 in the future when they get a nuclear capable Eurofighter, however I'm disappointed and pessimistic after seeing all their theatrics and dumb self-harming moves against Russia and have no hopes for the future of their sovereignty.
I didn’t say they have stopped buying, but just look at all the deals done this year in Europe and elsewhere, almost all I have read about do not include the US apart from a few, for legacy or other reasons.
These things don’t happen overnight. It’s simply prudent for everyone right now to rely less on the US for gear, everyone now believes the US will restrict how export clients get to use their expensively acquired US weapons, so that means, for example, for Middle East countries, there is no way to defend against Israel with US kit, it’s clear it only for use against Iran basically, and each other, of course.
Drones from Turkey, Armor from Europe and South Korea, Missiles, ISR from Europe and Israel, Ships from everywhere (except the USA), in development are 6th Gen fighters from UK and Europe, and 5th gens in Japan and Korea. This is the kit that is being bought in 2022
You will be able to find single instances where this is not happening. It’s more of a trend than a wholesale shift.
Remember there is only a single fith generation fighter on the market which can (currently) annihilate fourth gens, a small batch of F35s just makes sense for countries to buy if they are allowed too, in 2022.
For the record, I predict a huge loss of confidence in US stealth kit because sensor development seems to have outpaced materials. This applies to all stealth platforms, from my view, including submarines.