Dutch Official Suggests Potential for Bypassing U.S. Control of F-35 Software
European nations may be able to circumvent American control over the F-35 fighter jet’s software, according to a senior Dutch official, raising questions about the long-term reliance on U.S. Military technology. Gijs Tuinman, the Netherlands’ State Secretary for Defense, likened the process to “jailbreaking” an iPhone, a striking admission that underscores growing anxieties among European allies.
Tuinman made the comments during an appearance on BNR Nieuwsradio’s “Boekestijn en de Wijk” podcast on February 15, 2026, as reported by TWZ. The remarks come amid heightened tensions between the U.S. And some European countries, and increasing scrutiny of the F-35’s dependence on American software updates and maintenance.
“If, despite everything, you still wish to upgrade, I’m going to say something I should never say, but I will anyway: you can jailbreak an F-35 just like an iPhone,” Tuinman stated. The F-35 is currently the Netherlands’ only fighter aircraft, making operational independence a critical concern.
The discussion centers on the possibility of modifying the F-35’s software without U.S. Approval. While Tuinman did not elaborate on the specifics of how such a process might perform, his comments suggest a potential pathway for European nations to gain greater control over the advanced fighter jet. This development arrives as President Donald Trump’s administration has pursued policies that have strained diplomatic relations with some European allies, according to Türkiye Today.
Previous reporting has indicated that the widely discussed concept of a U.S. “kill switch” for the F-35 is likely an oversimplification. However, reliance on the U.S. For software updates, mission data files, and the broader supply chain remains a significant vulnerability, as highlighted by The Aviationist.
Tuinman, who assumed the role of State Secretary for Defence in July 2024, reassured that the potential for the U.S. To interrupt the supply chain or halt software updates remains uncertain. The possibility of independent software modification, however, offers a potential solution for European nations seeking to mitigate risks associated with reliance on U.S. Support.
The F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin have been contacted for comment regarding Tuinman’s remarks, but have not yet responded.
Considerable: Dutch Defence Minister Gijs Tuinman hints that software independence is possible for F-35 jets. He literally said you can “jailbreak” an F-35. When asked if Europe can modify it without US approval: “That’s not the point… we’ll observe whether the Americans will show…
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 15, 2026
