Danish air force reassures on F‑35 remote disablement fears
Denmark is one of several European nations modernizing its air force by acquiring American fifth-generation aircraft. Concerns about the future of Danish F-35s have intensified with President Donald Trump's statements regarding the U.S. interest in annexing Greenland. Can Danish F-35s be remotely disabled?
The credibility of the United States as an ally and a manufacturer of numerous weapons systems is being questioned in Europe following Donald Trump's successive decisions and statements.
Denmark, among others, has reasons for concern. The President of the United States has openly and repeatedly confirmed his desire to annex part of Danish territory to his country.
Simultaneously, Denmark is modernizing its air force, replacing aging F-16s (which are now being transferred to Ukraine) with F-35s. This has led to questions about the possibility of the United States remotely grounding Danish aircraft.
Danish F-35s without a hidden switch
Doubts on this matter 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 the 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 situation is faced by Iran, among others, which, after the Islamic revolution, was left with a significant number of American aircraft, such as F-4s, F-5s, and F-14s, as well as other American military equipment.
To maintain the operational readiness of at least some aircraft, "cannibalisation" became necessary—allocating certain aircraft as parts donors and using non-original replacements, which affects safety, among other aspects.
