UK could axe US jets amid tariffs chaos

PRESIDENT Trump's tariffs have forced ministers to reconsider plans to buy more F-35B Lightning jets from the US.

- By Marco Giannangeli DEFENCE EDITOR

It comes as the UK embarks on a defence investment drive, aimed at boosting jobs and the economy.

Military chiefs have already called for more Eurofighter Typhoons that, despite older tech and lack of stealth, can offer the RAF a 320-mile range advantage.

But Donald Trump's 10% tariff on UK goods has raised alarms at British defence giant BAE Systems and at the F-35's US producer Lockheed Martin.

The latter is "carefully evaluating all tariff announcements", as no defence exemptions have been granted.

Britain had mooted buying 138 F-35Bs, capable of short take-off and vertical landing from aircraft carriers.

So far, 48 have been ordered, with 37 in service and 11 delayed due to a software upgrade expected later this year.