Amid growing doubts from potential customers regarding the F-35 platform and its reliability, along with new political tensions following Donald Trump’s rise to the presidency, the U.S. has come forward to deny the existence of a “kill switch” in the fifth-generation fighter that would allow them to completely disable the aircraft remotely. The news comes shortly after traditional Washington allies, such as Canada and Portugal, announced that they are reconsidering the acquisition of these aircraft to strengthen their own Air Forces.
Put into official words by the Joint Program Office (JPO) of the F-35 program:“There is no safety switch (Editor’s Note: the mentioned ‘kill switch’). The program operates under established agreements that ensure all F-35 operators have the necessary capabilities to maintain and operate their aircraft effectively. The strength of the F-35 program lies in its global collaboration, and we remain committed to providing all users with the full functionality and support they need.”
At this point, it should be remembered that the myth of this supposed switch installed in the F-35 has gained traction, especially in Europe, due to various media reports pointing to this issue after the U.S. decided to suspend military aid to Ukraine. Different actors from politics and the local industry have spoken out on the matter, one of the most illustrative cases being that of the current president of the Munich Security Conference Foundation, Wolfgang Ischinger, who stated:“If we fear that the U.S. could do with future German F-35s what it is currently doing with Ukraine, we might consider canceling the contract.” For his part, Joachim Schranzhofer, who serves as the head of communications for the German arms company Hensoldt, referred to the issue by saying:“It is more than just a simple rumor.”
The impact of such statements has already had some concrete effects. Referring back to what was initially mentioned, it is useful to look at the acquisition processes of Canada and Portugal, countries that have expressed doubts about proceeding with their original F-35 purchase plans. In the first case, as one of the main targets of the new U.S. foreign policy, it was revealed that discussions are being held with various manufacturers to explore alternatives to the platform, whose acquisition has already been finalized for about USD 19 billion. Meanwhile, in Portugal, a similar sentiment was expressed by Defense Minister Nuno Melo, who indicated that European production options are being evaluated to replace their aging F-16s.
Countries such as Belgium and Switzerland have taken an opposing stance, reaffirming their ability to operate the fighters independently, thus dismissing the rumors regarding the “kill switch.” On the contrary, a considerably more realistic argument is that U.S. dependence does not take the form of a remotely activatable switch of dubious credibility, but rather in the acquisition of upgrade packages, armaments, and other materials necessary to keep the platform operational throughout its service life—bearing in mind that Washington holds the power to authorize or deny their sale. Additionally, the U.S. controls the data networks that connect the F-35s, which, if disconnected, would leave the fighters in a highly vulnerable operational position.
However, there is no indication of any intent by the U.S. to abandon the more than 19 partners in the F-35 program, alleviating concerns associated with the previous idea. From the platform’s manufacturer, the U.S. company Lockheed Martin, it has been stated that the commitment remains to make the F-35 a reliable and highly capable combat platform. Meanwhile, from the aforementioned JPO, it was said:“The F-35 was conceived, developed, and continues to operate and be maintained as a joint platform, based on strong alliances with U.S. allies and partner nations around the world.”
Among other notable signs of confidence in the program, Finland’s case should be mentioned, as the country, through the company Patria, is in the process of completing the construction of its new F-135 engine center. Looking ahead to the future incorporation of the platform, Helsinki has managed to reach an agreement with the supplier of these propulsion systems (Pratt & Whitney) to perform assembly tasks until 2030, with the possibility of continuing to offer maintenance services beyond that year. Meanwhile, Denmark is steadily progressing in forming its fleet of stealth fighters, affirming that its Royal Air Force is already preparing the way to involve the F-35 in interception missions as a replacement for its F-16 Fighting Falcons.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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Don’t buy anything to come or United States when they come to war machines he’s getting too close to bloody Putin and that’s what he wants
You don’t need an actual “kill switch” because the US government could order Lockheed to stop supplying parts and support to any country at any time. Being unable to repair or operate the aircraft is as a good as a kill switch, especially in a high tech aircraft.
I’m sure the US will honor every contact.
But indeed with donated Himars system to Ukraine, is was a case. And it doesn’t necessarily mean “the machine itself won’t function”. Himars systems were denied aiming capabilities, and ooops, no protection for Ukrainians in Kursk area.
They had been holding the area for half a year, but lost in a week after they were blindfolded without intelligence sharing and unable to protect themselves at long distance without Himars.
Many people try to inflate their importance by claiming to know things others do not. They’re horrible wreckers and destroyers of others integrity and this one ne e ds dismissed.
The fascination with fiction drives clicks. This article being one such fictional fascination.
ZM: Stop it. Just stop and grow up.