Germany may consider terminating its contract with the United States for the acquisition of 35 F-35A fighter jets, according to Wolfgang Ischinger, the former head of the Munich Security Conference. Ischinger indicated that concerns arise if the U.S. integrates a remote “kill switch” into the aircraft, akin to the mechanisms embedded in the HIMARS rocket systems supplied to Ukraine. He emphasized, “If we have to fear that the U.S. could treat future German F-35s as they are currently treating Ukraine, we might consider canceling the agreement.” This statement comes in light of the recent confirmation from the Pentagon regarding the suspension of all military aid deliveries to Ukraine, which has also affected weapons already en route. The potential decision by Germany highlights significant strategic considerations regarding operational autonomy and dependency on U.S. military technology, underscoring the broader implications for transatlantic defense collaboration.
