Doubts over F‑35 acquisition spark debate in Germany
German media and experts are questioning the appropriateness of choosing F-35 fighters as the aircraft expected to form the backbone of the country's combat aviation in the coming years. Concerns are being raised about relations with the American administration, and questions are being asked about whether the U.S. could remotely immobilize these planes during a crisis.
“If we are to fear that the U.S. could do with future German F-35s what they are currently doing with Ukraine, we might consider terminating the contract,” said Joachim Schranzhofer, head of communications at the German defence company Hensoldt, as quoted by "Bild."
This type of opinion is not alone. Earlier this month, Canadian aviation expert Michael Byers made a similar statement, urging Ottawa to carefully reconsider purchasing American fighters.
Germany also starts to doubt the purchase of F-35s
Germany committed to a fairly large contract. In 2022, they signed an agreement to acquire 35 F-35 fighters. The American aircraft were ordered with the intention of replacing the aging fleet of Panavia Tornado fighters. The production of the first F-35 for Germany began in February, but the entire fleet will only be ready over the Oder River in a few years.
However, recent decisions by the former U.S. president Donald Trump regarding Ukraine have intensified concerns in many countries that, if necessary, the superpower across the ocean may use an "emergency switch," immobilizing a country's F-35s and, in turn, imposing its will. Although the existence of such an option has not been confirmed and is even excluded by some experts, the U.S. can remotely limit at least some combat capabilities of the F-35. Joachim Schranzhofer pointed out, for example, the mission planning system to which the Americans have remote access.
F-35 capabilities dependent on the Americans' mood
“If you are postulating the existence of something that can be done with a bit of software code, such an option exists,” said analyst Richard Aboulafia in an interview with the "Financial Times." The situation of the F-16 in Ukraine can also serve as an example. After the U.S. stopped support, the fighters could fly, but if Washington hadn't resumed cooperation with Kyiv, the Ukrainian F-16s would have become significantly more impaired in terms of electronic warfare.
“Most European militaries depend heavily on the US for communications support, for electronic warfare support, and for ammunition resupply in any serious conflict,” noted Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at RUSI (the Royal United Services Institute). He added that, in his opinion, this makes the need for an "emergency switch" redundant because even without it, the U.S. holds a dominant position.
What instead of the F-35?
German media are even suggesting alternatives Berlin should consider instead of opting for the F-35. They point to fighters produced in Europe - the French Dassault Rafale and the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen. The latter is highly rated by many experts. According to former Pentagon consultant Reuben F. Johnson, they are even better than the F-35, and haven't achieved similar success mainly for political reasons.
In the context of concerns about the U.S.'s approach, a potential weak point of the Swedish fighters could be the American-made General Electric engines. Earlier this year, Colombia announced plans to purchase JAS 39 Gripen (instead of F-16s). However, the transaction will most likely not occur because Washington has not agreed to issue a re-export license for its engines.
