Germany is set to hold closed-door discussions on the reliability of US-made weapon systems, with a particular focus on the potential risks associated with the F-35 fighter jets.

This high-level meeting, led by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, will bring together top military officials, procurement experts, and defense ministry leaders to re-evaluate Germany’s dependence on US military technology.

The discussions are reportedly driven by growing concerns over the US government’s control over key military systems, particularly the possibility of a remote “kill switch” in combat aircraft that could affect operational capabilities.

Rising Concerns Over US Control

The focal point of Germany’s concerns is its order of 35 F-35 fighter jets from the United States.

While the F-35 has been heralded for its advanced capabilities, experts and military analysts have raised alarm over the degree of control the US may retain over these aircraft, especially in the event of political or strategic tensions.

One of the key worries is the possibility of a “kill switch” embedded in the jets, which could allow the US to remotely disable the aircraft, effectively compromising Germany’s ability to use them during critical operations.

In addition to the “kill switch” fears, experts have also warned about potential challenges related to spare parts supply and the security of data transmission for the F-35.

Carlo Masala, a political scientist at the Bundeswehr University in Munich, expressed concerns about the F-35’s functionality being compromised if access to spare parts or vital data is interrupted.

“If that’s not available, the F-35 loses much of its functionality,” Masala told the Sueddeutsche daily, highlighting a vulnerability that could have significant implications for Germany’s defense capabilities.

A Shift Towards European Defense Autonomy

The growing concerns over US control over European defense systems have sparked wider debates about Europe’s reliance on American military technology.

Earlier this month, Michael Schollhorn, CEO of Airbus Defense, urged European nations, including Germany, to reduce their dependence on US defense systems.

Schollhorn emphasized the importance of European cooperation in defense development, noting that relying on US technology could compromise the region’s security autonomy, particularly in the context of geopolitical instability.

Schollhorn’s comments reflected a broader desire within Europe to develop more independent defense capabilities. He pointed to the example of Denmark’s reliance on US F-35 jets, suggesting that it could become problematic if European countries find themselves in conflict with the US over certain defense priorities.

“The Danes are seeing right now that this might not be such a great idea,” Schollhorn said, referring to the uncertainty surrounding the US stance on global defense issues, particularly in regard to US territorial claims.

The Role of the F-35 and the Challenges of European Defense Independence

Despite the concerns over reliance on US technology, Germany’s Defense Ministry faces a difficult challenge in reducing its dependence on American military hardware. There are currently no alternatives to the F-35 for certain strategic missions, particularly those involving US nuclear weapons stationed in Germany.

Oliver Doerre, CEO of the German defense electronics firm Hensoldt, acknowledged the need for collaboration with the US for advanced technology, stating that “collaboration with the Americans for technology is essential” for the development of effective defense systems.

Moreover, the recent establishment of a 150 billion euro ($163 billion) European defense fund, announced by the EU, highlights the region’s push to strengthen its own defense industry.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat, emphasized the importance of building a trusted European defense base that can operate independently in times of crisis. However, achieving this level of independence remains a significant challenge, with many European countries still heavily reliant on US defense systems and technology.

In Summary

Germany’s closed-door talks on US-made weapon systems come at a pivotal moment for the country’s defense strategy. The growing concerns over a potential “kill switch” in US-supplied fighter jets and the broader implications of relying on American military technology are sparking a reassessment of Germany’s security priorities.

With the rise of the European defense fund and increasing calls for autonomy, Germany’s defense leaders will need to carefully consider how to strike a balance between enhancing national security and reducing reliance on foreign powers, especially in an era where technological control and sovereignty are of increasing importance.