Newspaper: Countries reconsider F-35 orders over US control concerns

Several countries, including Germany and Canada, are reconsidering their orders for F-35 fighter jets due to concerns over US control and operational restrictions.

The report by The Times newspaper highlights increasing unease among US allies about their reliance on American oversight for the use and maintenance of advanced stealth aircraft, per Caliber.Az.

According to the newspaper, a classified agreement gives the US the authority to prevent Germany from deploying its F-35 fleet under certain circumstances. The Pentagon reportedly insisted on retaining the power to halt F-35 operations in "exceptional and urgent cases when it is in the national interest of the United States." This revelation has fueled speculation about the extent of Washington's control over the aircraft, raising alarms in other countries that have purchased or are considering purchasing the jets.

One of the major concerns is the aircraft's reliance on classified software and data, which are strictly controlled by the US. Despite repeated assurances from Lockheed Martin, the F-35’s manufacturer, that the jets do not contain a hidden "kill switch," some experts argue that the aircraft’s dependency on continuous software updates and spare parts from the US could effectively give Washington the ability to disable them if desired.

Such fears are not limited to Germany and Canada. Other countries, including the UK, Japan, and Australia, have expressed similar concerns about the long-term operational autonomy of their fleets. Meanwhile, Canada and Portugal have reportedly signalled that they may cancel their planned purchases of the fighter jet.

The debate over the F-35’s control mechanisms underscores broader tensions between Washington and its allies over military cooperation and technological sovereignty. As more nations weigh the risks of dependency on American oversight, the future of the F-35 program as the dominant multi-role fighter jet for US allies remains uncertain.

By Tamilla Hasanova