German Jets Supplied by US Could Be Disabled by Trump's 'Kill Switch', Reports Bild
According to a report by Bild, German lawmakers are concerned that the US might have the capability to remotely disable F-35 fighter jets. Read the full article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Concerns are rising among German policymakers regarding the potential for the United States to remotely disable F-35 fighter jets that are being delivered to Berlin, particularly in the context of emerging crises. This situation is reminiscent of the US decision to halt intelligence and military support to Ukraine, according to a recent report by Bild.
Germany is set to receive 35 F-35A Lightning II aircraft, acquired through an €8.3 billion deal, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. However, some officials within the German government worry that US President Donald Trump, who has been engaged in conflicts with the EU on various matters, might employ a 'kill switch' mechanism to ground the jets if Washington's stance diverges from that of European capitals in a potential conflict with Russia.
“The ‘kill switch’ in the F-35 is more than just a rumor,” said Joachim Schranzhofer, the head of communications at Hensoldt, a German defense firm. He added, “But it’s much easier to use the mission planning system – then the plane stays on the ground.”
Wolfgang Ischinger, former president of the Munich Security Conference Foundation, raised questions about the implications for the F-35 contract. “If we have to fear that the US could do with future German F-35s what they are currently doing with Ukraine, we could consider terminating the contract,” he stated.
Similar concerns regarding the kill switch concept were shared by experts speaking to the Financial Times. Defense analyst Richard Aboulafia noted that while the existence of such a mechanism has never been confirmed, “If you postulate the existence of something that can be done with a little bit of software code, it exists.”
Others argued, however, that the need for a kill switch may be diminished by the advanced nature of modern fighter jets and their reliance on the manufacturer. “Most European militaries depend heavily on the US for communications support, for electronic warfare support, and for ammunition resupply in any serious conflict,” remarked Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute.
These anxieties around the F-35s emerged after the US suspended military and intelligence aid to Ukraine amid a dispute between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which the US leader accused Zelensky of not seeking peace with Russia.
The F-35 program, criticized for its high costs and troubled history, is recognized as the most expensive military project in history, with total projected costs surpassing $1.7 trillion over its lifespan. More than 1,100 units have been produced since the first flight of the F-35 in 2006, many of which have been delivered to US allies.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
Germany is set to receive 35 F-35A Lightning II aircraft, acquired through an €8.3 billion deal, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. However, some officials within the German government worry that US President Donald Trump, who has been engaged in conflicts with the EU on various matters, might employ a 'kill switch' mechanism to ground the jets if Washington's stance diverges from that of European capitals in a potential conflict with Russia.
“The ‘kill switch’ in the F-35 is more than just a rumor,” said Joachim Schranzhofer, the head of communications at Hensoldt, a German defense firm. He added, “But it’s much easier to use the mission planning system – then the plane stays on the ground.”
Wolfgang Ischinger, former president of the Munich Security Conference Foundation, raised questions about the implications for the F-35 contract. “If we have to fear that the US could do with future German F-35s what they are currently doing with Ukraine, we could consider terminating the contract,” he stated.
Similar concerns regarding the kill switch concept were shared by experts speaking to the Financial Times. Defense analyst Richard Aboulafia noted that while the existence of such a mechanism has never been confirmed, “If you postulate the existence of something that can be done with a little bit of software code, it exists.”
Others argued, however, that the need for a kill switch may be diminished by the advanced nature of modern fighter jets and their reliance on the manufacturer. “Most European militaries depend heavily on the US for communications support, for electronic warfare support, and for ammunition resupply in any serious conflict,” remarked Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute.
These anxieties around the F-35s emerged after the US suspended military and intelligence aid to Ukraine amid a dispute between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which the US leader accused Zelensky of not seeking peace with Russia.
The F-35 program, criticized for its high costs and troubled history, is recognized as the most expensive military project in history, with total projected costs surpassing $1.7 trillion over its lifespan. More than 1,100 units have been produced since the first flight of the F-35 in 2006, many of which have been delivered to US allies.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
