Concerns are mounting in Denmark over the country’s F-35 fighter jets, as officials raise alarms about U.S. reliability as a defense partner. The debate has been reignited by recent remarks from President Donald Trump, who once again floated the idea of annexing Greenland—an autonomous Danish territory.
Remote Shutdown Fears and Logistic Risks
While Danish lawmakers confirm that no technical evidence of a "remote kill switch" has been found in the American-made aircraft, fears persist. Rasmus Jarlov, chair of the Danish parliamentary defense committee, warned that control over spare parts and logistical support alone could render the jets inoperable in a crisis.
“We can’t just take the U.S. at their word,” Jarlov said, as reported by Wirtualna Polska. “The U.S. could easily ground our aircraft simply by halting parts shipments.”
Jarlov, who was involved in the initial procurement decision, now regrets backing the F-35 purchase. He cited Trump’s antagonistic posture toward NATO allies and suggested that U.S. actions may be undermining European security in favor of strategic gains against Russia.
Historical Echoes and Strategic Implications
The fear of being left with unsupported American equipment isn’t new. Jarlov referenced post-revolution Iran, which was left to maintain a fleet of U.S.-made aircraft without access to spare parts, forcing cannibalization and dangerous improvisation.
Denmark is in the process of replacing its aging fleet of F-16s—many of which are being transferred to Ukraine—with the advanced F-35. While the jets themselves appear secure from remote interference, Jarlov insists that the broader security risk lies in overreliance on a supplier that may use military logistics as political leverage.
“Buying American weapons is a security threat we can’t afford to take,” he concluded, warning that future coercion could come not through sabotage, but supply chain control.
