Summary and Key Points: In mid-February 2026, Royal Netherlands Air Force State Secretary Gijs Tuinman ignited a global discourse by proposing that the F-35’s proprietary software could potentially be “jailbroken” to secure operational autonomy.
-Amid escalating geopolitical tensions that challenge U.S.-European relations, the Netherlands endeavors to preempt any prospective American supply interruptions or software restrictions.
However, given the complexity of over 8 million lines of code and a centralized U.S. maintenance framework (ODIN), skepticism among experts remains pronounced.
-Although the Netherlands has officially decommissioned its F-16s and is wholly committed to a formidable fleet of 58 F-35 jets, the act of “hacking” the Lightning II poses considerable risks, including the potential to void warranties and exclude the nation from crucial future hardware and sensor enhancements.
Beyond the “Kill Switch”: Can the Dutch Actually Crack the F-35’s Source Code?
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, Burlington Air National Guard Base, is in pre-contact for refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker during exercise Cope North 2025, February 7, 2025. This aerial refueling capability has supported operations for over 50 years across various branches of the military.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Melanie “Mach” Kluesner showcases aerial maneuvers at the Wings and Eagles Airshow, Kingsley Field, Oregon, on July 19, 2025, representing the capabilities of the advanced 5th-generation fighter jet.
In this context, another F-35-operating NATO ally is contemplating a reduction in reliance on the United States for its security needs.
The Netherlands, wrestling with the dual challenge of diminishing dependence on the American security umbrella while simultaneously utilizing vital U.S. technology, articulates confidence in its capability to “jailbreak” the Lightning II’s software.
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Daring Dutch Defense Doyen
Dutch Secretary of Defense Gijs Tuinman is cited by reporter Kai Greet in a February 15 article for The Aviationist. Greet reported that Tuinman made these assertions during a radio interview with Dutch station BNR Nieuwsradio.
In Tuinman’s own words: “This audacious claim, the veracity of which is unverified externally, emerges amidst a broader discourse pertaining to the operational autonomy of the F-35 Lightning II, currently the Netherlands’ sole combat aircraft.
“Tuinman, who has held the position since July 2024, reassured that, despite a burgeoning divide between the present U.S. Government and numerous European nations, it remains uncertain whether any interruptions—potentially impacting the supply chain and software updates—will jeopardize the F-35’s operational continuity.
“Nonetheless, he suggested that in the face of dire circumstances, the F-35’s software could be modified clandestinely by third parties. He likened this process to ‘jailbreaking’ an iPhone, which allows users to access additional features at the potential cost of voiding warranties and introducing security vulnerabilities.”
Tuinman refrained from divulging specifics regarding his assertions.
RNAF Fleet Numbers
As Greet reported, the F-35 has become the Netherlands’ sole fighter aircraft following the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force’s retirement of its F-16 Fighting Falcons in September 2024, concluding 45 years of service.
According to the World Directory of Modern Military, the force presently operates 40 F-35A airframes, with an additional 18 under contract. These aircraft constitute approximately 37 percent of the Dutch air force’s total fleet of 146 aircraft.
What About That Infamous “Kill Switch”
Greet also elucidates the enduring myth concerning the F-35, observing that prior discussions have debunked the oversimplified notion of a ‘kill switch’ implemented by the U.S. while highlighting reliance on American software updates, mission data files (MDFs), and intricate maintenance logistics, which could expose vulnerabilities in the absence of prolonged U.S. support.
Regardless, Greet expresses skepticism regarding the feasibility of the Secretary’s claims, citing both technical and geopolitical considerations:
Technically, executing a “jailbreak” would necessitate in-depth knowledge of the aircraft’s intricate systems, information predominantly possessed by the original manufacturers.
With over 8 million lines of source code, devising such modifications would be extraordinarily complex.
Furthermore, this hypothetical software alteration would not resolve issues arising from disruptions in the tangible supply chain.
While some F-35 components are manufactured in Europe, including those by the Netherlands and allied nations—such as the F135 engine—a significant number remain strictly American-made. Notably, these European production facilities still depend on parts that must cross the Atlantic.
Geopolitically, should the Netherlands—or any other foreign military sales partner—execute unauthorized modifications to their F-35 aircraft, they risk being barred from future official upgrades.
This could, in the long term, leave these fighter jets in a state of stagnation, unable to receive modern enhancements such as new armaments, sensors, or advanced technologies. Consequently, this limitation might inhibit their capability to effectively counter emerging threats posed by adversaries.
Source link: 19fortyfive.com.
