Germany’s planned acquisition of 35 American F-35 fighter jets has come under scrutiny following concerns that the United States, under President Donald Trump, could disable the aircraft remotely.
The fear that Washington could use a so-called “kill switch” to enforce its political objectives has heightened amid Trump’s recent decisions regarding Ukraine.
The €8.3 billion deal, set to deliver some of the world’s most advanced fighter jets to Germany next year, is now at the centre of a broader debate about European reliance on US military hardware. While speculation about a US-controlled kill switch in the F-35 has circulated for years, recent developments have brought renewed urgency to the discussion.
Trump’s Ukraine Policy Sparks Alarm
The concern follows Trump’s recent suspension of military aid to Ukraine and the halting of intelligence-sharing, moves intended to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into peace talks with Russia.
Reports that US-supplied F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine had stopped functioning—due to a suspension of radar system support rather than a direct deactivation—have reinforced fears that the US could exercise similar control over Germany’s future F-35 fleet.
Joachim Schranzhofer, head of communications at the German defence company Hensoldt, stated in an interview with Bild that the idea of an F-35 kill switch is “more than just a rumour.” If true, such a capability would grant the US an unprecedented level of control over its allies’ military capabilities, potentially jeopardising European security autonomy.
Impact on Germany-US Defence Relations
Wolfgang Ischinger, former chairman of the Munich Security Conference, warned that Trump’s stance on Ukraine could have broader implications for Germany’s defence relationship with the US. “If we should fear that the US would treat the future German F-35 jets the same way they do in Ukraine now, then the issue of contract cancellation may be considered,” he told Bild.
Such concerns reflect broader unease about Europe’s dependency on American defence technology. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), 55 per cent of European arms imports between 2019 and 2023 originated from the US, a sharp increase from 35 per cent in the previous five-year period.
This dependence makes Europe vulnerable to shifts in US foreign policy, particularly under an administration that has signalled a departure from traditional transatlantic commitments.
A Shift in European Defence Policy?
Trump’s approach to security assistance in Ukraine has already prompted European leaders to reconsider their military strategies. Germany, which is undergoing a historic expansion of its defence capabilities, has taken steps to strengthen its domestic arms production.
Rheinmetall, one of Europe’s largest ammunition manufacturers, recently announced plans to repurpose two factories currently producing automotive components to focus on defence equipment.
Dan Smith, director of SIPRI, highlighted the dual role Europe plays in global arms markets: “More than half of arms imports by European states come from the USA. At the same time, Europe is responsible for about a third of global arms exports, including large volumes going outside the region, reflecting Europe’s strong military-industrial capacity.”
The current situation underscores the challenges facing European policymakers as they seek to balance military cooperation with the US while ensuring strategic autonomy. The potential for American intervention in the operational capabilities of European fighter jets adds to growing calls for investment in European defence industries and diversification of suppliers.
Image source: defensenews.com
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