Czechia: The F-35 cannot be operated remotely; the agreement moves forward

In recent weeks, numerous inquiries have arisen throughout Europe concerning the procurement of F-35 fighter jets, particularly in the Czech Republic and Germany. The Czech Ministry of Defense has issued a comprehensive statement to address questions from the public and media regarding its ongoing acquisition of 24 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft from the United States.

This significant purchase, which was finalized in January 2024, represents the largest military expenditure in the country’s history, amounting to approximately $6.6 billion. Concurrently, Germany has expressed its own apprehensions regarding its $8.7 billion agreement for 35 F-35 jets, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2026.

The decisions made by both nations come at a time of increased scrutiny of U.S. foreign policy, particularly with speculation surrounding the potential impact of Donald Trump’s possible return to the presidency on these agreements. These developments occur as NATO allies navigate a challenging geopolitical environment, balancing their national defense requirements with international collaborations.

The Czech Republic’s acquisition process has been underway for several months, with the government entering into a government-to-government contract with the United States through the Foreign Military Sales program. This agreement encompasses not only the aircraft but also logistics, maintenance, and training support, with the first jets anticipated to arrive in 2031.

The Czech Air Force plans to replace its existing fleet of 14 leased JAS-39 Gripen fighters from Sweden with these advanced fifth-generation jets. According to the Czech Ministry of Defense, the procurement is progressing as scheduled, with both parties meeting their commitments. “We are advancing with the F-35 acquisition according to the planned timeline,” the ministry affirmed, highlighting that the process remains unaffected by external speculation.

Germany’s choice to acquire F-35s is driven by the necessity to update its outdated Tornado fleet, which has been operational since the 1980s. The German government revealed its plans to purchase these aircraft in March 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine raised security alarms across Europe.

The F-35s will also contribute to NATO’s nuclear-sharing strategy, enabling Germany to uphold its strategic obligations within the alliance. However, recent reports from German media, particularly an article in Bild published in early March 2025, have raised concerns.

The article indicates that some German officials are apprehensive that the United States could potentially disable the jets remotely through a so-called “kill switch” if U.S. and German policies were to diverge, particularly in a scenario involving Russia. This anxiety has intensified in light of discussions surrounding Trump’s previous criticisms of NATO and his unpredictable stance on alliances.

In response to similar concerns, the Czech Ministry of Defense rejected the idea of direct U.S. interference in the jets’ operations. The ministry stated, “There is no mechanism to remotely intervene in the aircraft itself.” However, it did acknowledge that the U.S. could restrict access to cryptographic keys or software updates, which could complicate operations.

Nevertheless, the ministry minimized this concern, emphasizing that such actions would ultimately harm U.S. interests by weakening an allied partner. “We do not anticipate the United States intentionally hindering the use of this equipment by its allies,” the statement concluded, reflecting a strong confidence in the bilateral relationship.

Germany’s concerns, although not officially acknowledged by its government, seem to stem from a broader unease regarding dependence on American technology. A report from Bild cited unnamed sources within the German defense sector who voiced apprehensions about the advanced software of the jets, which necessitates regular updates from Lockheed Martin and, consequently, U.S. approval.

There is a worry that a future U.S. administration—especially one under Trump, who has indicated a willingness to reassess NATO commitments—could exploit this reliance as a negotiating tool. An anonymous German military analyst shared with a European news outlet, “The F-35 is an exceptional piece of engineering, but it represents more than just an aircraft; it is a system under American oversight. That is the source of our discomfort.”

In contrast, the Czech Republic views the acquisition of the F-35 as a strategic imperative. The defense ministry underscored the importance of fifth-generation aircraft for future combat scenarios, particularly post-2040, when older models like the Gripen may no longer be competitive. “Without fifth-generation jets, our air force would struggle to meet NATO’s defense and deterrence objectives,” the ministry asserted.

Additionally, it noted that there are no alternative fifth-generation fighters available on the market, making the F-35 the sole feasible choice. This perspective is shared among NATO allies, with countries such as Poland, Belgium, and the United Kingdom already incorporating the aircraft into their fleets, thereby enhancing alliance interoperability.

The financial aspect of the Czech deal—approximately 150 billion Czech koruna—encompasses not only the aircraft but also necessary infrastructure improvements, pilot training, and ongoing support. Lockheed Martin has emphasized the potential economic advantages, with representatives suggesting that Czech industries could engage in the global F-35 supply chain.

In a statement made last year, Bridget Lauderdale, the vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin, expressed her enthusiasm for the Czech Republic becoming the 18th nation to participate in the program, describing it as a significant achievement for both the company and NATO.

The F-35 jets, which feature stealth technology and advanced sensors, are specifically designed to address complex threats, including Russian air defense systems—an issue of particular concern in Central Europe due to its proximity to Ukraine.

Germany’s situation is somewhat similar to that of the Czech Republic, but it involves additional complexities. The country’s €8.3 billion investment encompasses not only the aircraft but also munitions and support services, with the initial deliveries expected in 2026. Unlike the Czech Republic, which is moving away from a leased fleet, Germany faces the challenge of incorporating the F-35 into an already established air force framework.

This has ignited a domestic discussion regarding costs and national sovereignty. Some German lawmakers have raised concerns about whether the investment could be more effectively allocated to European-made alternatives, although no comparable fifth-generation aircraft is currently available. Nevertheless, the German Air Force has supported the decision, asserting that the F-35 enhances interoperability with NATO allies and bolsters collective defense efforts.

Public sentiment in both nations has been varied. In the Czech Republic, media reports indicate a growing interest in the capabilities of the jets and the implications of U.S. involvement. The ministry’s Q&A-style statement was crafted to address this curiosity and dispel any misunderstandings.

The ministry reassured citizens concerned about external influence by stating, “The contract imposes no limitations on utilizing the jets for our own defensive purposes, even if those needs diverge from U.S. policy.” In Germany, an article from Bild has sparked online debates, with some posts on X expressing doubts about the reliability of the United States.

One commenter raised a concern, asking, “If Trump decides to withdraw support, what will happen to our jets? Would that mean billions wasted?” Conversely, others believe these anxieties are exaggerated, citing a long history of successful cooperation between the U.S. and Germany.

From an analytical standpoint, BulgarianMilitary.com provides a nuanced perspective on the matter. The publication acknowledges the F-35’s technological superiority but warns that its reliance on U.S. support systems poses a certain level of risk for European purchasers.

“The jets represent more than mere hardware; they are integrated into a larger ecosystem managed by Washington,” the analysis states. “For countries like the Czech Republic and Germany, this presents a dilemma between advanced capabilities and strategic independence.”

However, it also contends that the likelihood of U.S. sabotage is low, given NATO’s interdependence. “Sabotaging an ally’s jets would damage the alliance, a scenario even a hardline administration would likely seek to avoid,” the article concludes.

The Czech Ministry of Defense supported this argument by likening the F-35’s software to that of a smartphone. “If updates cease, the device continues to function—it simply won’t receive new features,” the ministry clarified. This comparison aims to clarify the technology for a public that may not be well-versed in military systems.

Additionally, the ministry dismissed the possibility of canceling the agreement, emphasizing that both parties are already committing resources—U.S. teams are training Czech personnel, and preparations for infrastructure are in progress. “The contract is solid, designed to safeguard the interests of both parties,” the ministry stated, expressing confidence in its legal protections.

Germany’s concerns have been more prominently expressed in the media, yet they have not led to any official response from the government. The silence regarding the Bild report has left room for speculation. Defense analysts indicate that Berlin might seek guarantees from Washington as the delivery dates approach, potentially utilizing diplomatic channels or NATO structures.

Currently, the German Air Force is actively planning for the integration of the F-35, with joint training exercises scheduled with their Czech counterparts in the upcoming years, reflecting an increase in regional cooperation.

As of March 12, 2025, both countries remain dedicated to their F-35 initiatives, despite ongoing uncertainties. The Czech Republic expects to receive its first aircraft in 2031, with a goal of achieving full operational capability by 2035. Germany is also on schedule for deliveries in 2026, aiming to enhance its role within NATO amidst a fluctuating European security landscape.

The realization of concerns regarding U.S. interference will hinge on future political developments, particularly in Washington. In the meantime, the Czech and German air forces are gearing up to enter a new phase of aerial capabilities, relying on the F-35 to safeguard their airspace for many years ahead.