Denmark's defense doubts: F‑35s safe from remote control?
Denmark is one of many European countries modernizing its air force by purchasing American fifth-generation aircraft. Concerns about the future of Danish F-35s have intensified with former President Donald Trump's declarations about the U.S. desire to annex Greenland. Can Danish F-35s be remotely disabled?
The credibility of the United States as an ally and a manufacturer of many weapons systems is being questioned in Europe due to the successive decisions and declarations of Donald Trump.
Denmark, among others, has reasons for concern. The former U.S. president openly and repeatedly confirmed his desire to annex part of Danish territory.
Simultaneously, Denmark is modernizing its air force, replacing old F-16s (which are being transferred to Ukraine) with F-35s. This raises questions about whether the United States could remotely ground Danish aircraft.
Danish F-35s without a hidden switch
Doubts on this issue were dispelled by the chairman of the parliamentary defence committee, Rasmus Jarlov. Although he expressed dissatisfaction with the order for American aircraft, he admitted that no solution was detected that would allow Americans to remotely disable the aircraft operated by Denmark.
Rasmus Jarlov also emphasized that no secret, remote switch is needed to immobilize aircraft, as explained in detail in the text devoted to weapon codes. A similar effect, albeit gradually, can be achieved by disrupting the logistics chain and stopping the supply of operational materials and spare parts.
Aircraft without U.S. support
This is a situation faced by Iran, among others, which, after the Islamic revolution, was left with a significant number of American aircraft F-4s, F-5s, and F-14s, as well as other American military equipment.
To maintain the operational readiness of at least some aircraft, "cannibalization" became necessary—designating some aircraft as parts donors and using non-original replacements, impacting safety, among other factors.
