Danish defence chief questions F‑35 deal over US control fears
Former Danish Minister of Economy and current Chairman of the Parliamentary Defence Committee, Rasmus Jarlov, expressed his regret over the decision to purchase F-35 fighter jets, reports The EurAsian Times. Jarlov emphasised that the U.S. could block the delivery of spare parts, posing a threat to Denmark's security. The politician also fears that Americans might use their position to exert pressure on allies.
"I dont know if there is a kill switch in the F35’s or not. We obviously can not take your [the US - ed.] word for it. I dont know if there is a kill switch in the F35’s or not. We obviously can not take your word for it," Jarlov wrote on platform X. "The USA can certainly disable the planes by simple stopping the supply of spare parts. They want to strengthen Russia and weaken Europa and are showing that they are willing to do tremendous damage to peaceful and loyal allies like Canada just because they insist on existing as a country," he added.
Denmark looks closely at American weaponry
The Danish politician also pointed out a theoretical scenario where the U.S. demands Greenland from Denmark and threatens to deactivate American weapons. "Therefore, buying American weapons is a security risk that we can not run. We will make enormous investments in air defence, fighter jets, artillery and other weapons in the coming years, and we must avoid American weapons if at all possible," he explained. "I encourage our allies and friends to do the same," he concluded.
Not only Denmark but other countries as well are closely scrutinising offers for American F-35 fighter jets. Canada, which has ordered 88 such machines, is considering alternative solutions due to geopolitical tensions and concerns over U.S. reliability. Portugal has taken similar steps, opting for European fighters over the F-35. Available information indicates that Swedish Saab Gripen and French Rafale, which offer greater autonomy and independence from American systems, might be within their area of interest.
In Germany, concerns about American fighters are also growing. Military experts are warning about the possibility of the U.S. blocking access to aircraft software, which could potentially lead to their grounding. Although Lockheed Martin denies the existence of such a "switch", dependence on American systems still causes significant concern.
Alternatives to F-35
Amid growing concerns over U.S. reliability, European countries are increasingly considering the purchase of European fighter jets. Among the options being considered are the aforementioned Swedish Saab Gripen and French Rafale. The latest version of Saab Gripen, the E/F, is a machine designed for technological and economic superiority. Its design is based on the philosophy of low operational costs and operational flexibility. Thanks to the use of the General Electric F414G engine, the fighter reaches speeds over Mach 2, and its advanced AESA Raven ES-05 radar allows for effective target detection and tracking under all conditions.
The electronics of the Gripen are among its greatest advantages – the Skyward-G EW system and modern interfaces enable integration with a wide range of armaments. The aircraft can carry Meteor air-to-air missiles with a range of over 100 kilometres, IRIS-T, and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, as well as the GBU-39 SDB guided bomb. Moreover, with its low radar signature and advanced electronic warfare system, the Gripen is a challenging target for enemy air defence systems.
The French Dassault Rafale, on the other hand, is a fighter jet that has proven its effectiveness on the battlefield for years. Designed as a 4.5 generation aircraft, it is capable of performing tasks both as an air superiority fighter and a strike aircraft. Powered by two Snecma M88-2 engines, it reaches speeds of up to Mach 1.8 and is characterised by excellent manoeuvrability. The Rafale F4 version introduces additional improvements in sensor systems, communication, and armaments.
The AESA RBE2 radar ensures effective target detection in difficult conditions, and the advanced SPECTRA self-defence system significantly increases the aircraft's survivability. Rafale can carry a wide range of armaments – MICA, Meteor, and Magic II air-to-air missiles, as well as SCALP-EG cruise missiles and AASM Hammer bombs. It's worth noting that Rafale is capable of carrying ASMP-A nuclear missiles, making it a strategic asset for France.
