The Netherlands suggests its F-35 fighter jets could be at risk if US support is withdrawn.

Gijs Tuinman, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Netherlands. F-35 It said the fighter jet’s software could be hacked and updated to ensure that countries using the platform do not rely on U.S. support.

This remark was made by Tuinman on the radio. BNR News Radio‘s podcast Boekestijn and the DistrictThis was accomplished by participating in The War Zonereported.

According to Tuinman, the aircraft’s closed digital systems could theoretically be unlocked, allowing third-party developers to perform software updates.

“If you still want to update, I’ll say something you should never say, but I’ll say it anyway: F-35like an iphone [해킹]You can do it,” Tuinman said.

If this protection device is bypassed, F-35Countries that operate the can independently update and modernize the aircraft’s combat systems.

Tuinman emphasized the sensitivity of the issue, noting that he was talking about something that “probably shouldn’t have been talked about publicly.”

It is currently unclear whether there are actual technical means to access these fighter jets, or if the remarks were merely metaphorical.

The issue of dependence on the United States is a significant one, and these aircraft are currently the only fighter jets in operation in the Netherlands.

The full digital integration of aircraft and U.S. infrastructure means that the fleet’s operational capabilities could quickly be neutralized without approval from Washington, DC.

This is Donald Trump It comes after the president’s policies have sparked new diplomatic tensions with some longtime allies, particularly in Europe.

BIG: 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 see whether the Americans will show… pic.twitter.com/f11cGvtYsO

— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 15, 2026

Photos and video: Dutch Ministry of Defense / X @clashreport. This content was generated with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team.