The UK Ministry of Defence has reiterated that it retains full operational control over its F-35 fleet, including the ability to integrate non-U.S. weaponry. Similarly, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has praised the aircraft, highlighting strong military cooperation between Norway and the U.S.
At the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum, Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans dismissed concerns, emphasising the importance of maintaining the F-35 programme’s success. Finland’s Air Force Commander, Major General Timo Herranen, echoed this sentiment, stating that the F-35’s unmatched capabilities made it the preferred choice during procurement assessments.
Switzerland’s defence ministry has directly refuted claims that F-35s could be remotely controlled or blocked, affirming their unrestricted operational use. Belgian Chief of Defence General Frederik Vansina also rejected the idea, confirming that the aircraft is not a remote-controlled system and that global logistical support ensures reliability for all users.
The Czech Republic’s Ministry of Defence has publicly reassured its citizens that external interference with its F-35s is not possible. The ministry reiterated its stance through an official statement and social media updates, reinforcing confidence in the aircraft’s security.
The global F-35 fleet has now surpassed one million flight hours, demonstrating its widespread adoption and operational success. As interoperability remains a key advantage, the F-35 continues to strengthen allied defence cooperation and enhance collective deterrence capabilities.
Source: F35.com.
