Dutch Official Suggests F-35 Fighter Jets Could Be Compromised if U.S. Support Is Withdrawn

The Dutch State Secretary for Defence, Gijs Tuinman, said that the software of F-35 fighter jets could potentially be hacked in a way similar to unlocking an iPhone.

He made the statement on the “Boekestijn en de Wijk” podcast on BNR Nieuwsradio, as reported by The War Zone.

According to Tuinman, the aircraft’s closed digital system could theoretically be unlocked to allow software updates from third-party developers.

If such protections were bypassed, countries operating the F-35 could independently upgrade and modernize the jet’s combat systems. Tuinman noted that he was discussing matters he “probably should never have said publicly,” highlighting the sensitivity of the issue.

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

It is currently unknown whether there are real technical means to gain access to the fighter jets, or whether the statement was merely figurative.

The issue of dependence on the United States is critical, as these aircraft are currently the only type of fighter jet in service with the Netherlands. Full digital integration of the aircraft with U.S. infrastructure means that, without authorization from Washington, D.C., the operational capability of the fleet could be quickly neutralized.

There is also an article on Militarnyi about whether F-35 fighter jets can be remotely disabled.