Gijs Tuinman, Dutch State Secretary for Defense, said that the software of F-35 fighters could be hacked and updated so that countries using the platform are not dependent on US support.
This statement was made by Tuinman during a podcast appearance on Boekestijn en de Wijk on radio BNR Nieuwsradio, as reported by The War Zone.
According to Tuinman, the aircraft’s closed digital system could theoretically be unlocked to allow software updates by third-party developers.
“If you still want to update, I will say something I should never say, but I will say it anyway: you can [hack] an F-35 just like an iPhone,” Tuinman said.
If these protections are bypassed, countries operating the F-35 could independently update and modernize the aircraft’s combat systems.
Tuinman noted he was discussing matters he “probably should never have said publicly,” highlighting the sensitivity of the issue.
Currently, it is unclear whether there are real technical means to access the jets, or if the statement was merely figurative.
US dependence is crucial, as these aircraft are currently the only type of fighter in service in the Netherlands.
Full digital integration of the aircraft with US infrastructure means that without Washington D.C.’s authorization, the fleet’s operational capacity could be quickly neutralized.
This comes after President Donald Trump‘s policies have resulted in new diplomatic tensions with some long-standing allies, especially in Europe.
BIG: Dutch Defence Minister Gijs Tuinman hints that software independence is possible for F-35 jets.
He literally said you can “jailbreak” an F-35.
When asked if Europe can modify it without US approval:
“That’s not the point… we’ll see whether the Americans will show… pic.twitter.com/f11cGvtYsO
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 15, 2026
Photo and video: Dutch Ministry of Defense / X @clashreport. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
