Pentagon Denies Remote Shutdown Of F35 Jets

The Pentagon rejects rumors about a possible removal of the F-35 fight jets. The dependence on US systems nevertheless ensures growing concerns among NATO partners. Several allies are now rethinking their billions of buying plans.

No remote control for F-35 fighting jets

The US Department of Defense has rejected speculation about a possible remote shutdown of F-35 fighter aircraft. “There is no kill Switch,” emphasized the Pentagon in an official statement. The Tarnkappen hunter cannot be deactivated either remotely or from the distance, according to the Pentagon.

The F-35 is dependent on regular software updates and a close connection to US systems. The Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) for maintenance and diagnosis as well as the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) for safe communication between the fighter jets are central. Lockheed Martin F-35: Bundeswehr introduces the new fighter jet

Like the specialist magazine Breaking defense reports that the USA could significantly restrict the operational capacity of foreign F-35 fleets by cap of maintenance support, the blockade of spare parts deliveries and the separation from the US computer network. Without software updates, the jets would still be able to fly, but much more susceptible to modern defense systems.

Allies are looking for alternatives

The debate already shows concrete effects: Canada checks alternatives to its planned procurement of 88 f-35a worth 12.8 billion euros. Portugal has already decided against the purchase. Germany is also under pressure to rethink its order of 35 f-35a. France’s President Emmanuel Macron uses the situation to promote European alternatives.

He suggests that F-35 prospective customers offer Dassault’s Rafale fight jet as an alternative. Around two thirds of European defense spending is currently flowing to US manufacturers – an exodus of European customers could noticeably hit the American armaments industry.