I’m not sure if buying American equipment is a good way to rid ourselves of our dependence on America.
It allows America to control our supply of spare parts and software updates, and it doesn’t bolster the European defence industry.
A lot of the F-35 parts are produced in Europe, it’s mostly the software that is a concern. But it’s not like there are any alternatives right now. Developing a new European plane will take decades.
As I said, there are some concerns, but no, there is no out-right “kill switch” or any remote control capability.
Really the biggest risk is the US withholding future software updates for a while, forcing operators to implement their own software packages for those the US will no longer provide updates for.
Obviously having an EU alternative to the F35 would be ideal, but it will take a long time and a lot of money to develop. For now there isn’t another option.
“According to the October 2024 report from the NNSA, it has also been certified to fly on the B-2, F-16, and German Air Force PA-200 Tornado jets, and is working towards certification on the Italian Air Force’s Tornados and the US Air Force’s B-21 bomber.”
Meaning the German PA-200 the UK just retired in 2019 could have been certified to carry those warheads… But you probably would rather have warheads not made in America either
I’m not sure if buying American equipment is a good way to rid ourselves of our dependence on America.
It allows America to control our supply of spare parts and software updates, and it doesn’t bolster the European defence industry.
A lot of the F-35 parts are produced in Europe, it’s mostly the software that is a concern. But it’s not like there are any alternatives right now. Developing a new European plane will take decades.
I would think the software would be a little more concerning, if there is any truth to this article https://eutoday.net/germany-concerned-over-f-35-kill-switch/
As I said, there are some concerns, but no, there is no out-right “kill switch” or any remote control capability.
Really the biggest risk is the US withholding future software updates for a while, forcing operators to implement their own software packages for those the US will no longer provide updates for.
Obviously having an EU alternative to the F35 would be ideal, but it will take a long time and a lot of money to develop. For now there isn’t another option.
Is russia attacking the uk eminent?
Probably not, although Russia keeps jerking off to fan fiction about nuking a tidal wave across the island.
“According to the October 2024 report from the NNSA, it has also been certified to fly on the B-2, F-16, and German Air Force PA-200 Tornado jets, and is working towards certification on the Italian Air Force’s Tornados and the US Air Force’s B-21 bomber.”
Meaning the German PA-200 the UK just retired in 2019 could have been certified to carry those warheads… But you probably would rather have warheads not made in America either
The airframes are at the end of their life, Germany is getting F-35s specifically to replace the ageing Tornados as well.
What does the EU have to do with the UK?
Okay replace EU with Europe
A history of joint airplane development.
Theyre not a facist state