Germany weighs risks of relying on US for nuclear deterrence
Germany has purchased F-35A aircraft from the United States designed to carry nuclear weapons to ensure American nuclear deterrence for itself. After Washington's policy shift towards Europe, Berlin is considering whether complete reliance on the USA poses too great a risk, writes the influential newspaper "Süddeutsche Zeitung."
"Can the American F-35s bought for billions of euros be remotely shut down? That's just a rumour. In the event of a conflict, however, the Americans have other means of immobilizing the machines," writes Georg Ismar on the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" portal.
The German government purchased 35 F-35A fighter jets for the Bundeswehr to ensure the most important type of American protection—nuclear deterrence against Russia. In the German-American base Büchel, approximately 20 B61-12 nuclear bombs are stored, each with a yield of 50 tonnes. So far, the German army has used Tornado aircraft adapted to carrying nuclear bombs. Starting in 2027, these Tornado aircraft will be replaced by the F-35A.
As Ismar noted, the project valued at 10 billion euros should please US President Donald Trump. "However, it is currently unclear whether the nuclear bombs will remain in Büchel. The United States, from a close ally, is becoming an uncertain companion," the columnist explained. Additionally, there is talk of a "kill switch"—a technical device through which F-35s can be remotely controlled, and their operation can be limited.
Denmark regrets decision to buy F-35
Denmark has concluded that purchasing the F-35 was not the best idea. If Danes wanted to use these machines to defend Greenland from the USA, "they might not even make it there," said military expert Michael Schoellhorn. Denmark regrets the decision to buy the F-35. Although the American side has denied the existence of a "kill switch," Washington has other means to immobilize the machines by refusing to supply spare parts or updates for data and equipment.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius denied that the version of the aircraft purchased by Germany may have a "control option." However, it is unclear what effects the lack of American data, updates, and information would have on the operation of the F-35. Because millions of data points are stored in the cloud, the issue of access and control has become a subject of discussion in the German Ministry of Defence, according to the "SZ" portal.
The defence department reassures that the F-35 "cannot be remotely turned off." The aircraft is a multinational product, with parts also produced outside the USA, including in Germany. Military experts warn, however, against being too reliant on the USA. Carlo Masala from the Bundeswehr University in Munich sees the biggest problem in data transmission and spare parts.
If they are lacking, the F-35 will not be able to perform many tasks, he said.
A turn towards European manufacturers?
In Germany, the pressure to turn towards European solutions is increasing. The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, agrees with this sentiment. The problem, however, is the lack of European offers.
The commander of the Swiss Air Force, Peter Merz, considered the debate over F-35s to be absurd. On the LinkedIn platform, Merz stated that the USA cannot remotely control F-35 aircraft and that a kill switch does not exist. The lack of alternatives, however, causes significant reliance on America—admits the Swiss officer. When it comes to aircraft, Europeans are, in his opinion, 20 to 30 years behind America.
