Trump Tariffs Could Impact F-35 Global Supply Chain, Other Defense Projects

U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on foreign goods threaten to disrupt the Pentagon’s global supply chains, driving up costs and delaying the production of key U.S. weapons, including the F-35 fighter jet.

According to Politico, the Pentagon’s carefully built network of international suppliers may be at risk, with key programs such as the F-35 fighter jet, missile defense systems, and air defense projects facing uncertainty.

Diplomats, lawmakers, and defense analysts warn that these tariffs could push allies to explore alternative partnerships, weakening U.S. influence in global defense markets. The F-35 program alone involves 20 countries, and disruption in its supply chain could impact not only the United States but also its partners in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Missile defense collaborations with Norway and Israel may also be affected, raising concerns about the ability of U.S. allies to keep pace with military advancements by China and Russia.

While the Trump administration aims to boost domestic jobs by shifting foreign-made parts to U.S. factories, experts note that the defense industry already faces labor shortages. Many firms struggle to recruit workers due to competition from other industries offering higher wages and more stable employment. Additionally, some components of American-made weapons cross multiple borders during assembly, accumulating tariffs at each step, further driving up costs.

Senator Mark Kelly emphasized the financial strain this could place on the Pentagon, stating, “Prices will rise, and the prices that the Department of Defense has to pay will also increase. Our defense budget, if we want to maintain the same type of forces, will become more expensive.”

Analysts suggest that unless the administration provides exemptions for defense-related goods, these tariffs could undermine years of Pentagon investment in global supply networks, potentially affecting both national security and U.S. defense exports.