Concerns Over U.S. Control Prompt Europe and Canada to Reevaluate F-35 Fighter Jet Orders

Europe and Canada Reassess F-35 Fighter Purchases Amid Control Concerns

European nations have raised significant concerns regarding the operational control of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets supplied by the United States. Fears that Washington could remotely control or even disable these aircraft have prompted several countries to reconsider their procurement plans, particularly in the face of potential divergences from U.S. policy. This issue is especially pressing in the Czech Republic and Germany, where substantial contracts for these aircraft have recently been finalized.

In January 2024, the Czech Ministry of Defense secured a historic agreement with the U.S. to purchase 24 F-35 Lightning II jets for $6.6 billion. This deal, the largest military contract in the nation’s history, is slated for delivery starting in 2031 and aims to replace the 14 JAS-39 Gripen fighters currently leased from Sweden. Despite assurances from the Czech Defense Ministry regarding the timely progress of the deal—including logistics, pilot training, and maintenance—rumors about potential remote intervention capabilities in the F-35 system have compelled officials to clarify their position. While they denied the existence of any direct control mechanisms, they acknowledged that the U.S. could theoretically limit access to software updates or encryption keys, complicating operations. Nevertheless, Prague considers such an eventuality unlikely, as it would damage U.S. credibility among its allies.

Germany announced its intention to purchase 35 F-35s for $8.7 billion in March 2022, aiming to modernize its aging Tornado fleet and fulfill NATO nuclear obligations, with the first deliveries expected in 2026. However, concerns about reliance on American technology have intensified. Reports from German media, particularly the Bild newspaper, highlighted fears that the U.S. could implement a “kill switch”—a covert shutdown mechanism—during political conflicts, particularly in light of differing strategies toward Russia. These apprehensions have grown following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, as his unpredictable policies and past threats to reassess NATO commitments have heightened anxieties.

The debate surrounding the F-35’s procurement is not limited to the Czech Republic and Germany. Canada, which has ordered 88 F-35s for $14.5 billion, is also reconsidering its deal amid concerns about U.S. control over crucial software. Greece, which has acquired 20 F-35s with an option for an additional 20, has witnessed similar discussions, particularly after reports surfaced regarding potential vulnerabilities within the aircraft. Experts emphasize that the F-35, equipped with 8 million lines of code, requires regular updates from Lockheed Martin, making it difficult to operate independently of U.S. oversight. A German defense analyst noted that the F-35 is “an engineering marvel tied to American control,” underscoring the primary concern among European nations.