Can we still trust the F35 fighter jet?
Modern weapons are like telephones: without updates, they quickly lose their value.
Published on March 12, 2025
Merien co-founded E52 in 2015 and envisioned AI in journalism, leading to Laio. He writes bold columns on hydrogen and mobility—often with a sharp edge.
Imagine you have just acquired the latest, most expensive, and most advanced weapon in your arsenal – an F-35 fighter jet. The plane seems unbeatable, equipped with technology to protect you from enemies. But what if that technology suddenly stopped working? What if the United States software updates, which are crucial for the functioning of the F-35, suddenly stop? Or even worse, what if a secret back door in the system allows an enemy access to your military intentions? In a world where technology determines the battlefield, dependence on one country – the United States – is perhaps Europe's greatest weakness.
The digital revolution in modern warfare
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter represents a fundamental shift in modern warfare. With more than 1,100 aircraft in service with 16 different armed forces worldwide, this fighter jet symbolizes the far-reaching digitization of defense. The aircraft is a flying supercomputer with more than 8 million lines of programming code. This digitization brings new vulnerabilities, especially since geopolitical relations are under pressure. Donald Trump recently indicated that he is considering not fulfilling American NATO obligations for countries that do not spend enough on defense. This raises serious questions about the reliability of American weapons systems for European allies.
Technological dependence on the US
The F-35 illustrates Europe's deep technological dependence on the United States. For optimal functionality, the aircraft requires constant software updates and access to American data systems, such as ALIS and ODIN. Joachim Schranzhofer, head of communications at the German arms manufacturer Hensoldt, warns that the possibility of American control is “more than a rumor.” Wolfgang Ischinger, former president of the Munich Security Conference Foundation, even states that contract termination should be considered if the US were to limit the F-35's capabilities. These concerns are not unfounded - the US can currently limit the effectiveness of F-16s in Ukraine by refusing to update electronic jamming equipment.
Vulnerability due to Mission Data Files
The real Achilles heel of the F-35 lies in the Mission Data Files (MDF), which are essential to the aircraft's combat capabilities. A 90-strong team at the American Air Force base Eglin manages these electronic combat manuals. Without regular MDF updates, the aircraft becomes vulnerable to new threats. These files contain crucial information about enemy radars and anti-aircraft systems and are indispensable for planning flight paths that are difficult to detect. The lack of a European capacity to produce and update these files makes the F-35 fleet potentially vulnerable to American policy decisions.
Dutch investments in alternatives
The Netherlands is taking steps to reduce its dependence on American systems. An important example is the recent investment in European-produced Patriot missiles. In cooperation with Germany, Romania, and Spain, a production line is being set up in southern Germany, where 1,000 Patriot air defense missiles will be produced. During the presentation of these plans, former minister Ollongren emphasized that this international defense cooperation will lead to concrete successes in pursuing strategic autonomy. On the other hand, the purchase of Tomahawk cruise missiles thwarts an autonomous defense strategy. Tomahawk missiles also depend heavily on the US for their successful deployment.
Pentagon eyes Dutch defense innovations for collaboration
Naomie Verstraeten, international program manager at Brainport Eindhoven, underscored the importance of the U.S.-Dutch collaboration for global peace and security.
European defense autonomy
In the Versailles Declaration of March 2022, EU leaders confirmed their commitment to taking more responsibility for their security. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has now translated this ambition into concrete plans with the proposed 'REARM Europe' package of €800 billion ($841 billion). This ambitious plan aims to strengthen the defense capabilities of EU countries significantly and is a direct response to the growing uncertainty about American support for Europe and Ukraine.
Von der Leyen's proposal comes at a crucial moment, just days after President Trump decided to pause US aid to Ukraine. The plan would allow EU countries to increase their defense spending without violating fiscal constraints. “If member states were to increase their defense spending by an average of 1.5% of GDP, this could create almost €650 billion in fiscal space over four years,” said von der Leyen. This would be supplemented by a €150 billion loan program, covered by the typical EU budget.
Future prospects
Dependence on American defense technology will remain a reality for European countries for the time being. Still, the newly announced REARM Europe package marks a significant turnaround in European defense strategy. The plan focuses specifically on air and missile defense improvements, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, drones and anti-drone systems, and cybersecurity.
If the plans are adopted, they would strengthen European defense capabilities and could also help Ukraine through the joint procurement of military equipment. Von der Leyen emphasizes that this plan starkly contrasts the American pause in support for Ukraine: “With this equipment, member states can massively increase their support for Ukraine.”