The Pentagon has been actively working to reassure its international partners involved in the F-35 fighter jet program amid concerns over costs, delays, and technical challenges. Senior U.S. defense officials have emphasized their commitment to addressing these issues and maintaining the trust of allied nations that rely on the advanced stealth fighter to bolster their defense capabilities.
The F-35 program, which includes participants from NATO countries and other key allies, has faced scrutiny over its lifecycle costs and performance metrics. Despite these challenges, the Pentagon has highlighted recent advancements in the program, such as software updates, improved maintenance protocols, and increased production rates.
In a series of meetings and communications, the Department of Defense has assured allies that it remains focused on delivering a reliable and cost-effective platform. These efforts aim to strengthen partnerships and ensure that the F-35 continues to serve as a cornerstone of collective security in an increasingly complex global threat environment.
The Pentagon today attempted to reassure its international partners in the F-35 program that there is no “kill switch” on the stealth fighter jet that the US could use to render it ineffective — the latest signal that there are real concerns abroad about American stewardship of the program amid tensions with historical allies.
“There is no kill switch,” the Joint Program Office (JPO) for the F-35 program said in a statement. “The program operates under well-established agreements that ensure all F-35 operators have the necessary capabilities to sustain and operate their aircraft effectively. The strength of the F-35 program lies in its global partnership, and we remain committed to providing all users with the full functionality and support they require.”
Discussion of a potential kill switch emerged earlier this month in European news reports, in the wake of President Donald Trump’s decision to pause military aid to Ukraine. Foreign officials denied the idea at the time, but concern appeared to stem more generally from the fact that the technologically driven F-35 is dependent on rolling updates from the US, especially for the plane’s complex software, as well as logistics support. The F-35 program, for which American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor, includes 19 international partners or customers.
