Germany’s F-35 Agreement Faces Scrutiny Over Concerns Regarding U.S. “Kill Switch” Abilities

Germany’s intention to acquire 35 fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets has sparked intense discussions, particularly regarding the potential for the United States, under President Donald Trump, to exercise remote deactivation capabilities for its own geopolitical purposes.

Concerns about Washington’s ability to activate a so-called “kill switch” in these advanced aircraft have intensified, especially in light of Trump’s recent actions related to Ukraine, prompting serious questions about the sovereignty over U.S.-provided military equipment.

The €8.3 billion (RM39.7 billion) deal, which will see the delivery of Lockheed Martin’s cutting-edge F-35s to Germany beginning next year, has evolved into a larger conversation about Europe’s significant reliance on American military technology and the associated risks.

For years, there has been speculation regarding whether the U.S. maintains override capabilities in its most sophisticated weapon systems, including the F-35. However, recent geopolitical events have added urgency to this discussion, with concerns that Washington could potentially exert direct operational control over F-35s operated by foreign nations if political situations necessitate such actions.

These worries have been exacerbated by reports indicating that U.S.-supplied F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine suddenly became inoperable—not due to direct deactivation, but because Washington suspended support for their electronic warfare systems.

This situation has raised fears that a similar intervention could occur with Germany’s F-35 fleet in the future.

The recent decision by the U.S. to decline the upgrade of the AN/ALQ-131 electronic warfare system on Ukraine’s F-16s has heightened concerns regarding the operational capabilities of these aircraft, which are essential for countering Russian air defense systems. This move raises significant apprehensions that Germany’s F-35s might encounter similar limitations at the discretion of Washington. Wolfgang Ischinger, the former Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, cautioned that if there is a possibility of the U.S. imposing restrictions on Germany’s F-35s akin to those on Ukraine’s F-16s, the potential for contract cancellation must be seriously considered, as reported by Bild.

Efforts to alleviate the worries of European partners have yielded mixed results. Recently, General Frederik Vansina, Belgium’s Chief of Defence, attempted to allay fears by asserting that the F-35 is “not a remotely controlled aircraft.” In contrast, Switzerland’s Defence Ministry highlighted that its F-35 fleet could operate independently. Nonetheless, the Swiss Defence Ministry also recognized a significant limitation: no advanced Western fighter jet can function entirely without U.S.-controlled secure data communication systems and GPS satellite navigation. This acknowledgment has further fueled skepticism regarding Germany’s ability to operate its F-35s autonomously from American oversight.

Washington has yet to clarify whether it can remotely disable or limit the weapons it has sold or leased to allied nations. Germany is not alone in raising concerns about the potential limitations associated with acquiring U.S. military equipment. In 2021, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) took the significant step of indefinitely halting its planned acquisition of 50 F-35 fighter jets, a deal valued at $23 billion that also encompassed drones and advanced munitions. A UAE official explained that the decision was influenced by “sovereign operational restrictions” set by Washington. Furthermore, technical requirements and an unfavorable cost-benefit analysis were cited as additional reasons for the contract’s suspension. As Germany gears up to receive its F-35 fleet in 2026, the political and strategic considerations surrounding the agreement are evolving. Some German lawmakers are now questioning whether Berlin should have followed the UAE’s lead and avoided the purchase entirely.

“We must examine this issue thoroughly and with great caution,” stated Ingo Gädechens, a former military officer and member of Germany’s governing CDU party, in an interview with Bild. “If we are investing such an enormous sum in a weapons system like the F-35, we must have absolute control over its use.”

Germany’s acquisition of the F-35 was initially regarded as a pivotal move, bolstering NATO’s aerial capabilities while granting Berlin access to cutting-edge combat aircraft. However, concerns regarding possible U.S. intervention have turned the agreement into a contentious issue, prompting significant discussions about military independence, European defense sovereignty, and the implications of depending on American technology. Following the precedent established by Ukraine’s experience with the F-16 and the UAE’s withdrawal from its F-35 agreement, Germany now stands at a strategic juncture that could shape its future in international military alliances.