Gijs Tuinman, the Netherlands' interim state secretary for defense affairs, openly suggested that European allies could circumvent American control over F-35 fighter jet software, comparing the process to jailbreaking an iPhone.
When asked what would happen if the United States refused to cooperate on software updates or proved unwilling to do so, Tuinman offered a remarkably candid response. "I'm going to tell you something I'll never need to say, but I'm doing it anyway. Yes, ultimately, you have another option. You can also hack the F-35 software. Just like an iPhone," he said, adding, "I won't say anything more about that."
The comparison to jailbreaking an iPhone – a practice where users bypass manufacturer restrictions to gain full access to a device's operating system – stands out in its boldness. In the context of the world's most advanced and expensive fighter jet program, valued at over $1.7 trillion in lifetime costs, the suggestion that allied nations might independently reverse-engineer or bypass US-controlled software carries significant diplomatic and technical implications.
Tuinman, a member of the BBB party (Dutch farmers' movement) serving as state secretary for defense in the Netherlands' transitional government, made the remarks during an appearance on BNR's Boekestijn & De Wijk podcast, where he addressed a range of sensitive defense issues, including Europe's readiness against a large-scale Russian attack on NATO member states, the prospect of a European defense posture without American support, and the thorny issue of dependence on F-35 software.
Tuinman's comments come weeks after a heated media debate about the possibility that the United States had installed a "kill switch" in F-35 jets sold to foreign nations, enabling the aircraft to be neutralized in case of misuse or friction with the foreign government. Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the aircraft, completely denied the claim.
