16.02.2026 00:53
The F-35s, which are among the most expensive fighter jets in the world, have come to the forefront this time not for their high costs but for their software dependency. Gijs Tuinman, the Dutch government's State Secretary for Defense, stated that if the U.S. does not approve software updates, the F-35's software could be "broken like an iPhone," bringing discussions about the control of these hundred-million-dollar aircraft to a new level.
The Dutch Minister of State for Defense, Gijs Tuinman, made a statement highlighting the possibility that the U.S. may not approve software updates for the F-35 fighter jets. Tuinman noted that in such a case, the Netherlands could produce its own solution, stating, "You can hack the software of the F-35s. Just like an iPhone."
NOTABLE MESSAGES IN THE PODCAST BROADCAST
Tuinman from the BBB Party commented on Europe's defense preparations, a potential European defense union without U.S. support, and the dependency of the F-35 fighter jets on U.S. software during the program Boekestijn & de Wijk.
"EVERYTHING WILL BE READY BY 2028"
Addressing the potential large-scale NATO-Russia tensions, Tuinman stated that all preparations against threats from Russia would be completed by the end of 2028. He expressed that tanks, additional F-35s, ordered Tomahawk missiles, and artillery systems would enter the Dutch inventory during this process.
DISCUSSION ON U.S. DEPENDENCY
In response to the question of whether the F-35 jets in the Netherlands would face issues with software updates if the U.S. were to step back as an ally, Tuinman stated that they would be working intensively on Europe-centered solutions together with Norway and Poland in the next 1.5 to 2 years.
Tuinman said, "At that point, we will see for ourselves whether the Americans will really clarify their positions."
"SOMETHING I SHOULD NEVER HAVE SAID"
Highlighting the possibility that the U.S. may not be willing to cooperate on software updates, Tuinman continued his remarks:
"I will tell you something I should never have said, but I am saying it anyway. Yes, ultimately you have another option. You can also hack the software of the F-35. Just like an iPhone. I won't say anything more about that."