The Pentagon has officially denied claims that Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jets contain a remotely operable “kill switch” capable of disabling the aircraft. The speculation, which began circulating on social media, gained momentum in recent weeks as several European nations reconsidered their dependence on U.S. defense products.
In a statement issued on March 18, the Joint Program Office (JPO), which oversees the F-35 program, dismissed the claims outright. “There is no kill switch,” the JPO declared. “The program operates under well-established agreements that ensure all F-35 operators have the necessary capabilities to sustain and operate their aircraft effectively.”
Despite the Pentagon’s firm stance, concerns persist among key allies regarding Washington’s ability to restrict maintenance, spare parts, and critical software updates. Lockheed Martin has sought to downplay these fears, citing assurances from defense officials in Belgium and Switzerland—both F-35 operators—who have stated they have no evidence of a remote deactivation capability.
European Nations Reevaluate F-35 Acquisitions
The growing skepticism toward U.S. defense policies is driving several European countries to reassess their fighter jet procurement strategies. Portugal has already announced it will not move forward with an F-35 purchase, marking the first European withdrawal from the program. Canada, facing diplomatic strains with Washington, has also indicated it is exploring alternatives to its planned acquisition of 88 F-35 jets.
Germany is under increasing pressure from its domestic defense industry to shift toward European-made aircraft. A representative from Airbus Defence & Space urged Berlin on March 17 to reconsider its planned purchase of 35 F-35As, arguing that reliance on American-made jets could pose long-term strategic risks.
French President Emmanuel Macron has seized on the uncertainty surrounding the F-35 program to advocate for a stronger European defense industry. On March 16, Macron announced that France will procure 40 additional Rafale fighters equipped with hypersonic nuclear missile capabilities, positioning them near the German border as a strategic deterrent. He also urged European allies to prioritize European-made aircraft over American models, reinforcing his push for greater defense autonomy.
Political Tensions Fueling Defense Realignments
The shift in European defense strategy comes amid broader geopolitical tensions triggered by U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. His administration’s closer ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his rhetoric on NATO burden-sharing have fueled doubts about Washington’s commitment to European security.
Trump’s statements suggesting that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state have further strained relations with Ottawa, prompting Canadian officials to reassess their reliance on American military hardware. Similarly, European governments fear that a more isolationist U.S. defense policy could leave them vulnerable in the event of a conflict.
As political uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over transatlantic defense ties, the debate surrounding the F-35 program underscores a broader trend—an increasing willingness among U.S. allies to diversify their defense portfolios and reduce dependence on American-made military equipment.