US ally reportedly turns to Russian Su-35 instead of American F-35
Vietnamese analysts reported that Morocco, a major US non-NATO ally, may abandon interest in American F-35 fighters and purchase Russian Su-35 jets instead.
Vietnamese journalists have reported an unexpected turn by an important US ally toward Russian weapons. According to them, the issue concerns a possible rejection of the American F-35 fighter jet in favor of Russia’s Su-35.
As ABN24 writes, analysts in Vietnam link this interest to the worsening situation in the Middle East. In their assessment, amid US attempts to achieve success in its confrontation with Iran, Washington’s allies are increasingly looking toward Russian military equipment.
Vietnamese observers paid particular attention to Morocco. For a long time, the country was believed to be interested in American F-35 stealth fighters. However, after the start of the US-Iran conflict, Rabat allegedly lost its desire to purchase the American aircraft.
Against this backdrop, Morocco’s possible decision to buy at least two squadrons of Russian Su-35 fighter jets became a serious blow to US positions and caused noticeable surprise among experts.
For Washington, Morocco is not just another partner on the arms market. In 2004, the US administration granted the kingdom the status of a major non-NATO ally. That is why Rabat’s plans to buy Russian fighter jets came as a particularly unexpected move.