Berlin reaffirms its commitment to American-made F-35 fighter jets amid European concerns over dependency and security risks.
Germany has confirmed it will go ahead with its planned acquisition of American F-35 fighter jets, despite growing European concerns over reliance on U.S. military technology and potential vulnerabilities. Speaking on Friday, March 21, a spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense, Mitko Müller, dismissed reports suggesting the government was re-evaluating its contract with Lockheed Martin.
“There is no crisis meeting planned, neither today nor in the future. We are maintaining the project,” Müller stated firmly, quelling speculation triggered by a Süddeutsche Zeitung report. The newspaper had claimed that the Defense Ministry was considering consultations over the security of American military equipment, including the F-35 jets.
This decision comes at a time when several European countries are rethinking their defense procurement strategies in response to concerns about technological dependence on the U.S. One particular worry is the alleged existence of a remote “kill switch” in F-35 aircraft that could allow Washington to ground foreign-operated jets at will. Müller addressed these claims directly, stating, “There is no possibility to remotely disable the F-35.”
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Germany committed to purchasing 35 F-35 jets at an estimated cost of €10 billion, aiming to replace part of its aging Tornado fleet by 2030. The F-35, developed by Lockheed Martin, is considered the most suitable platform to carry American nuclear warheads stationed on German soil, further solidifying its strategic importance.
Although the F-35 is an American-led project, German officials are keen to point out that the program is multinational at its core. “This is not solely an American product,” Müller emphasized. “It was developed by eight nations. Fourteen NATO countries are either using it or will be using it soon, and there are twenty operators worldwide. This user community plays a crucial role.”
Still, the debate is far from settled across Europe. Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, recently expressed doubts over Ottawa’s F-35 procurement and is reportedly considering alternative options. Similarly, Portugal has indicated it may seek replacements for its U.S.-made F-16s.
Germany’s new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has publicly stated his desire to prioritize European defense manufacturing and reduce reliance on American military assets. However, the Defense Ministry’s reaffirmation of the F-35 deal shows Berlin is not yet ready to break with Washington on this critical issue.
